Communication exchanges and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

An exemplary specifically programmed electronic communications exchange which includes at least the following specifically programmed components: a specifically programmed computer processor that is configured to at least perform, in real-time, the following: causing, via a computer network, to display a company personalized communications set-up graphical user interface configured to allow a representative of a company to dynamically define a plurality of company communications attributes; causing, via the computer network, to display a consumer communications set-up graphical user interface configured to allow a consumer to dynamically define a plurality of consumer communications preference attributes; automatically matching the company to the consumer based at least in part on: the plurality of company communications attributes and the plurality of consumer communications preference attributes; and automatically and electronically delivering a plurality of electronic communications, from or on behalf of the company, to the consumer.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of U.S. provisional applicationSer. No. 62/050,637, entitled “COMPUTER METHOD AND COMPUTER SYSTEM FORCOMMUNICATION EXCHANGE,” filed Sep. 15, 2014, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In some embodiments, the instant invention is related to communicationexchanges that allow to electronically mediate, route, and/or deliverelectronic information (e.g., discrete data (e.g., files), streamingdata, electronic messages, etc.) from one or more senders to one or morerecipients based on specifically programmed ruleengines/interfaces/communication protocols that define at least one of:relationships between senders and recipients, formats of the electronicinformation, sending rules, delivery rules, characteristics ofcommunication passageways/channels, and other suitable variables.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

In some instances, the importance of electronic communication in allaspects of society is well known. Typically, the use of electroniccommunications has become woven into the way individuals communicate andotherwise provide information to each other. Typically, individualsutilize myriad electronic communication platforms and types ofelectronic information (e.g., discrete data (e.g., files), streamingdata, electronic messages, etc.) to communicate among themselves.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In some embodiments, the instant invention is directed to acomputer-implemented method which includes at least the following steps:electronically storing, in real-time, by at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of an electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, historical communications dataabout communications between a plurality of companies and a plurality ofconsumers of the plurality of companies in at least one databaseresiding in non-transient memory; causing, in real-time, via a computernetwork, by the at least one specifically programmed computer processorof the electronic communications exchange executing software to performthe method, to display at least one company personalized communicationsset-up graphical user interface on at least one first electronic device,being utilized by at least one first representative of at least onefirst company, where the at least one company personalizedcommunications set-up graphical user interface is configured to allowthe at least one first representative to dynamically define a firstplurality of company communications attributes, where the firstplurality of company communications attributes include: i) first companyidentifying data, identifying information about the at least one firstcompany, ii) a first plurality of company approved consumer deliverycommunications channels, iii) at least one first consumer validationrule, identifying at least one first identity verification condition toverify an identity of a customer, iv) first company delivery consentterms data, defining terms to which a consumer is required to consentprior to delivery of a communication from or on behalf of the at leastone first company, and v) first company consumer presentation data,defining how to display on a graphical user interface information of theat least one first company to a consumer; causing, in real-time, via thecomputer network, by the at least one specifically programmed computerprocessor of the electronic communications exchange executing softwareto perform the method, to display at least one company personalizedcommunications set-up graphical user interface on at least one secondelectronic device, being utilized by at least one second representativeof at least one second company, where the at least one companypersonalized communications set-up graphical user interface isconfigured to allow the at least one second representative todynamically define a second plurality of company communicationsattributes, where the second plurality of company communicationsattributes include: i) second company identifying data, identifyinginformation about the at least one second company, ii) a secondplurality of company approved consumer delivery communications channels,iii) at least one second consumer validation rule, identifying at leastone second identity verification condition to verify an identity of acustomer, iv) second company delivery consent terms data, defining termsto which a consumer is required to consent prior to delivery of acommunication from or on behalf of the at least one second company, andv) second company consumer presentation data, defining how to display ona graphical user interface information of the at least one secondcompany to a consumer; electronically and automatically storing, inreal-time, by the at least one specifically programmed computerprocessor of the electronic communications exchange executing softwareto perform the method, the first plurality of company communicationsattributes of the at least one first company and the second plurality ofcompany communications attributes of the at least one second company inthe at least one database residing in the non-transient memory; causing,in real-time, via the computer network, by the at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of the electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, to display at least oneconsumer communications set-up graphical user interface on at least onethird electronic device, being utilized by at least one first consumer,where the at least one consumer personalized communications set-upgraphical user interface is configured to allow the at least one firstconsumer to dynamically define a first plurality of consumercommunications preference attributes, where the first plurality ofconsumer communications preference attributes include: i) at least onefirst preference attribute, identifying a type of a first plurality ofelectronic communications communication that the at least one firstconsumer desires to electronically receive, ii) at least one secondpreference attribute, identifying at least one first particular companyfrom which the at least one first consumer desires to electronicallyreceive the first plurality of electronic communications directed to theat least one first consumer, and iii) at least one third preferenceattribute, identifying at least one first consumer deliverycommunications channel to be utilized for electronically sending thefirst plurality of electronic communications; causing, in real-time, viathe computer network, by the at least one specifically programmedcomputer processor of the electronic communications exchange executingsoftware to perform the method, to display the at least one consumercommunications set-up graphical user interface on at least one fourthelectronic device, being utilized by at least one second consumer, wherethe at least one consumer personalized communications set-up graphicaluser interface is configured to allow the at least one second consumerto dynamically define a second plurality of consumer communicationspreference attributes, where the second plurality of consumercommunications preference attributes include: i) at least one fourthpreference attribute, identifying a type of a second plurality ofelectronic communications that the at least one second consumer desiresto electronically receive, ii) at least one fifth preference attribute,identifying at least one second particular company from which the atleast one second consumer desires to electronically receive the secondplurality of electronic communications directed to the at least onesecond consumer, and iii) at least one sixth preference attribute,identifying at least one second consumer delivery communications channelto be utilized for electronically sending the second plurality ofelectronic communications; automatically matching, in real-time, by theat least one specifically programmed computer processor of theelectronic communications exchange executing software to perform themethod, at least one of the at least one first company and at least onesecond company to at least one of the at least one first consumer andthe at least one second consumer based at least in part on: i) the firstplurality of company communications attributes, ii) the second pluralityof company communications attributes, iii) the first plurality ofconsumer communications preference attributes, and iv) the secondplurality of consumer communications preference attributes;automatically updating, in real-time, by the at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of the electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, based at least in part on thehistorical communications data and outcome of the matching, at least thefollowing: i) the first plurality of company communications attributes,ii) the second plurality of company communications attributes, iii) thefirst plurality of consumer communications preference attributes, iv)the second plurality of consumer communications preference attributes,and v) the at least one consumer communications set-up graphical userinterface, and vi) the at least one company personalized communicationsset-up graphical user interface; and automatically and electronicallydelivering, in real-time, by the at least one specifically programmedcomputer processor of the electronic communications exchange executingsoftware to perform the method, the first plurality of electroniccommunications to the at least one first consumer; automatically andelectronically delivering, in real-time, by the at least onespecifically programmed computer processor of the electroniccommunications exchange executing software to perform the method, thesecond plurality of electronic communications to the at least one firstconsumer; automatically and electronically delivering, in real-time, bythe at least one specifically programmed computer processor of theelectronic communications exchange executing software to perform themethod, a third plurality of electronic communications, from or onbehalf of the at least one first company, based at least in part on thefirst plurality of company communications attributes; and automaticallyand electronically delivering, in real-time, by the at least onespecifically programmed computer processor of the electroniccommunications exchange executing software to perform the method, afourth plurality of electronic communications, from or on behalf of theat least one second company, based at least in part on the secondplurality of company communications attributes.

In some embodiments, the first plurality of company approved consumerdelivery communications channels, the second plurality of companyapproved consumer delivery communications channels, the at least onefirst consumer delivery communications channel, and the at least onesecond consumer delivery communications channel are selected from thegroup consisting of: i) secure electronic messaging system, ii) awebsite, and iii) a digital mail system.

In some embodiments, the at least one first consumer is one of: i) anindividual, ii) an retail investor, iii) an institutional investor, andiv) an entity that is not a person. In some embodiments, the at leastone second consumer is one of: i) an individual, ii) an retail investor,iii) an institutional investor, and iv) an entity that is not a person.

In some embodiments, the method further includes the steps ofautomatically generating, in real-time, by the at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of the electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, a first plurality ofelectronic alerts to the at least one first consumer regarding the firstplurality of electronic communications; and automatically generating, inreal-time, by the at least one specifically programmed computerprocessor of the electronic communications exchange executing softwareto perform the method, a second plurality of electronic alerts to the atleast one second consumer regarding the second plurality of electroniccommunications.

In some embodiments, the method further includes the steps ofautomatically generating, in real-time, by the at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of the electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, a first plurality ofelectronic notifications to the at least one first company regarding thethird plurality of electronic communications attributes; andautomatically generating, in real-time, by the at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of the electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, a second plurality ofelectronic notifications to the at least one second company regardingthe fourth plurality of electronic communications attributes.

In some embodiments, the instant invention is directed to a specificallyprogrammed electronic communications exchange which includes at leastthe following specifically programmed components: at least onespecialized computer machine, including: a non-transient memory,electronically storing particular computer executable program code; andat least one computer processor which, when executing the particularprogram code, becomes a specifically programmed computer processor ofthe electronic communications exchange that is configured to at leastperform the following operations: electronically storing, in real-time,historical communications data about communications between a pluralityof companies and a plurality of consumers of the plurality of companiesin at least one database residing in non-transient memory; causing, inreal-time, via a computer network, to display at least one companypersonalized communications set-up graphical user interface on at leastone first electronic device, being utilized by at least one firstrepresentative of at least one first company, where the at least onecompany personalized communications set-up graphical user interface isconfigured to allow the at least one first representative to dynamicallydefine a first plurality of company communications attributes, where thefirst plurality of company communications attributes include: i) firstcompany identifying data, identifying information about the at least onefirst company, ii) a first plurality of company approved consumerdelivery communications channels, iii) at least one first consumervalidation rule, identifying at least one first identity verificationcondition to verify an identity of a customer, iv) first companydelivery consent terms data, defining terms to which a consumer isrequired to consent prior to delivery of a communication from or onbehalf of the at least one first company, and v) first company consumerpresentation data, defining how to display on a graphical user interfaceinformation of the at least one first company to a consumer; causing, inreal-time, via the computer network, to display at least one companypersonalized communications set-up graphical user interface on at leastone second electronic device, being utilized by at least one secondrepresentative of at least one second company, where the at least onecompany personalized communications set-up graphical user interface isconfigured to allow the at least one second representative todynamically define a second plurality of company communicationsattributes, where the second plurality of company communicationsattributes include: i) second company identifying data, identifyinginformation about the at least one second company, ii) a secondplurality of company approved consumer delivery communications channels,iii) at least one second consumer validation rule, identifying at leastone second identity verification condition to verify an identity of acustomer, iv) second company delivery consent terms data, defining termsto which a consumer is required to consent prior to delivery of acommunication from or on behalf of the at least one second company, andv) second company consumer presentation data, defining how to display ona graphical user interface information of the at least one secondcompany to a consumer; electronically and automatically storing, inreal-time, the first plurality of company communications attributes ofthe at least one first company and the second plurality of companycommunications attributes of the at least one second company in the atleast one database residing in the non-transient memory; causing, inreal-time, via the computer network, to display at least one consumercommunications set-up graphical user interface on at least one thirdelectronic device, being utilized by at least one first consumer, wherethe at least one consumer personalized communications set-up graphicaluser interface is configured to allow the at least one first consumer todynamically define a first plurality of consumer communicationspreference attributes, where the first plurality of consumercommunications preference attributes include: i) at least one firstpreference attribute, identifying a type of a first plurality ofelectronic communications communication that the at least one firstconsumer desires to electronically receive, ii) at least one secondpreference attribute, identifying at least one first particular companyfrom which the at least one first consumer desires to electronicallyreceive the first plurality of electronic communications directed to theat least one first consumer, and iii) at least one third preferenceattribute, identifying at least one first consumer deliverycommunications channel to be utilized for electronically sending thefirst plurality of electronic communications; causing, in real-time, viathe computer network, to display the at least one consumercommunications set-up graphical user interface on at least one fourthelectronic device, being utilized by at least one second consumer, wherethe at least one consumer personalized communications set-up graphicaluser interface is configured to allow the at least one second consumerto dynamically define a second plurality of consumer communicationspreference attributes, where the second plurality of consumercommunications preference attributes include: i) at least one fourthpreference attribute, identifying a type of a second plurality ofelectronic communications that the at least one second consumer desiresto electronically receive, ii) at least one fifth preference attribute,identifying at least one second particular company from which the atleast one second consumer desires to electronically receive the secondplurality of electronic communications directed to the at least onesecond consumer, and iii) at least one sixth preference attribute,identifying at least one second consumer delivery communications channelto be utilized for electronically sending the second plurality ofelectronic communications; automatically matching, in real-time, atleast one of the at least one first company and at least one secondcompany to at least one of the at least one first consumer and the atleast one second consumer based at least in part on: i) the firstplurality of company communications attributes, ii) the second pluralityof company communications attributes, iii) the first plurality ofconsumer communications preference attributes, and iv) the secondplurality of consumer communications preference attributes;automatically updating, in real-time, based at least in part on thehistorical communications data and outcome of the matching, at least thefollowing: i) the first plurality of company communications attributes,ii) the second plurality of company communications attributes, iii) thefirst plurality of consumer communications preference attributes, iv)the second plurality of consumer communications preference attributes,and v) the at least one consumer communications set-up graphical userinterface, and vi) the at least one company personalized communicationsset-up graphical user interface; and automatically and electronicallydelivering, in real-time, the first plurality of electroniccommunications to the at least one first consumer; automatically andelectronically delivering, in real-time, the second plurality ofelectronic communications to the at least one first consumer;automatically and electronically delivering, in real-time, a thirdplurality of electronic communications, from or on behalf of the atleast one first company, based at least in part on the first pluralityof company communications attributes; and automatically andelectronically delivering, in real-time, a fourth plurality ofelectronic communications, from or on behalf of the at least one secondcompany, based at least in part on the second plurality of companycommunications attributes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention can be further explained with reference to theattached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by likenumerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are notnecessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed uponillustrating the principles of the present invention. Further, somefeatures may be exaggerated to show details of particular components.

FIGS. 1-4 are illustrative computer system architectures representativeof some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 5-27 and 38-41 are flowcharts representative of some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIGS. 28-37 are screenshots representative of some embodiments of thepresent invention.

In addition, any measurements, specifications and the like shown in thefigures are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, otherobjects and advantages of this invention can become apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures. Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in variousforms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with thevarious embodiments of the invention which are intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. Any alterations and furthermodifications of the inventive feature illustrated herein, and anyadditional applications of the principles of the invention asillustrated herein, which can normally occur to one skilled in therelevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to beconsidered within the scope of the invention.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take themeanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The phrases “in one embodiment” and “in someembodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment(s), though it may. Furthermore, the phrases “in anotherembodiment” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do notnecessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, asdescribed below, various embodiments of the invention may be readilycombined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or”operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive andallows for being based on additional factors not described, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout thespecification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

It is understood that at least one aspect/functionality of variousembodiments described herein can be performed in real-time and/ordynamically. As used herein, the term “real-time” is directed to anevent/action can occur instantaneously or almost instantaneously in timewhen another event/action has occurred.

As used herein, the term “dynamic(ly)” is directed to an event/actionthat can occur without any human intervention. In some embodiments, thedynamic event/action may be in real-time, hourly, daily, weekly,monthly, etc.

In some embodiments, the terms “sender” and “senders,” as referencedherein, are directed to entity(ies), individual(s), and/or electronicdevice(s) that need to send electronic information (e.g., discrete data(e.g., files), streaming data, electronic messages, etc.) to one or morerecipients that may be known and/or unknown to the sender(s). In someembodiments, there are at least 10,000 senders. In some embodiments,there are at least 1,000 senders. In some embodiments, there are atleast 100,000 senders. In some embodiments, there are at least 1,000,000senders.

In some embodiments, the terms “recipient” and “recipients,” asreferenced herein, are directed to entity(ies), individual(s), and/orelectronic device(s) who receives the electronic information (e.g.,discrete data (e.g., files), streaming data, electronic messages, etc.)from the sender(s) that may be known and/or unknown to the recipient(s).In some embodiments, there are at least 10,000 recipients. In someembodiments, there are at least 1,000 recipients. In some embodiments,there are at least 100,000 recipients. In some embodiments, there are atleast 1,000,000 recipients.

For purposes of this description, the terms “sender(s)” and“recipient(s)” are used to describe various communication methodologiesof the instant invention and are not intended to uniquely designated aparticular individual and a particular entity as being only the senderor the recipient. Consequently, for purposes of this description, theparticular individual and the particular entity can be the sender andthe recipient based on the specific function(s) the particularindividual and the particular entity perform in accordance with thecommunication methodologies of the instant invention.

In some embodiments, the terms “source(s)” and “source system(s),” asreferenced herein, are directed to specifically programmedsystem(s)/platform(s) that at least transmit(s) the electronicinformation (e.g., discrete data (e.g., files), streaming data,electronic messages, etc.) on behalf of and/or from the sender(s). Insome embodiments, there are at least 10 sources. In some embodiments,there are at least between 2 and 100 sources. In some embodiments, thereare at least between 10 and 1,000 sources. In some embodiments, thereare at least 1,000 sources.

In some embodiments, the terms “channel(s)” and “channel system(s),” asreferenced herein, are directed to specifically programmedsystem(s)/platform(s) that at least receive the electronic information(e.g., discrete data (e.g., files), streaming data, electronic messages,etc.) on behalf of the recipient(s). In some embodiments, the channel(s)can also process the received electronic information to present suchelectronic information to the recipient(s), and/or their designees,base, at least in part, on one or more rules set by the recipient(s),and/or their designees, and/or determined, by the channel(s), for therecipient(s), and/or their designees. In some embodiments, there are atleast 10 channels. In some embodiments, there are at least between 2 and100 channels. In some embodiments, there are at least between 10 and1,000 channels. In some embodiments, there are at least 1,000 channels.

For purposes of this description, the terms “source(s),” “sourcesystem(s),” “channel(s)”, and “channel system(s)” are used to describevarious communication methodologies of the instant invention and are notintended to uniquely designated a particular entity and a particularprogrammed system as being only the source/source system or thechannel/channel system. Consequently, for purposes of this description,the particular entity and the particular programmed system can be thesource/source system and the channel/channel system based on thespecific functions(s) that the particular entity and the particularprogrammed system perform in accordance with the communicationmethodologies of the instant invention.

In some embodiments, the terms “rule” and “rules,” as referenced herein,are directed to relationships and/or interactions between senders,sources, recipients, and/or channels. In some embodiments, rules takethe form of one or more processing rules, one or more characteristics,and/or one or more attribute of an entity or system. For example,various aspects of the instant invention include channel rules that aredirected to rules concerning the channels. Also, various aspects of theinstant invention include source rules that are directed to rulesconcerning the sources. Also, various aspects of the instant inventioninclude sender rules that are directed to rules concerning the senders.In addition, various aspects of the instant invention include recipientrules that are directed to rules concerning the recipients.

In some embodiments, the specifically programmed system(s)/platform(s)of the instant invention incorporate at least 10 rules. In someembodiments, specifically programmed system(s)/platform(s) of theinstant invention incorporate at least 100 rules. In some embodiments,specifically programmed system(s)/platform(s) of the instant inventionincorporate at least 1000 rules. In some embodiments, specificallyprogrammed system(s)/platform(s) of the instant invention incorporate atleast 10,000 rules.

In some embodiments, the terms “recipient rule” and “recipient rules,”as referenced herein, are directed to rules that define/identifycharacteristics of set by the recipients about themselves and/or therecipients' rules in regards to channels, distribution types and/or thesenders.

In some embodiments, the terms “sender rule” and “sender rules,” asreferenced herein, are directed to rules that define/identify whichchannel rules the senders require to be supported and the recipientrules the senders are willing to support.

In some embodiments, the terms “recipient rule” and “recipient rules,”as referenced herein, are directed to rules that define/identifycharacteristics of set by the recipients about themselves and/or therecipients' rules in regards to channels, distribution types and/or thesenders.

In some embodiments, the terms “distribution” and “distributions,” asreferenced herein, are directed to a piece of information or data thatneeds to be electronically sent/transmitted. In some embodiments, thedistributions are characterized/classified based, at least in part, onone or more of the following distribution types, but are not limited to:communications, rules, data, transactional messages, and etc.

In some embodiments, the specifically programmed system(s)/platform(s)of the instant invention allow to minimize complexity and/or costsassociated with integrating new sources by senders.

In some embodiments, the specifically programmed system(s)/platform(s)of the instant invention form at least one electronic communicationexchange mediating network(s) of the senders, the recipients, thesources and the channels (the mediated exchange model). In someembodiments, an illustrative electronic communications exchange of theinstant invention is an integrated network of the senders, therecipients, the sources and the channels that allows for the delivery ofinformation based upon rules defined by the recipient(s) and supportedchannel(s) defined by the sender(s). In some embodiments, theillustrative electronic communications exchange of the instant invention(also referenced herein as “the exchange”) allows the senders to senddistributions to the recipients without having prior knowledge to whereto send the distribution to, and the recipients can set rules that alertthe senders and the exchange to information about themselves (therecipients), including, but is not limited to, where the recipientswould like to receive distributions, and the structure of thosedistributions.

In some embodiments, the exchange allows the senders to senddistributions to the recipients when the senders know an electronicaddress of a recipient and the exchange is specifically programed inaccordance with the instant invention to determine that such address isno longer valid. In cases of invalid addresses, in some embodiments, theexchange can alert the senders and/or respective channels about theinvalid address and/or automatically identify the new address for theintended recipient and re-route the distribution accordingly.

For example, the exchange of the instant invention can be utilized forat least one of the following applications:

i) Use Case 1—Distribution of Mail to an individual/entity;

ii) Use Case 2—Standing Instructions on how to vote on corporateactions/issues; and

iii) Use Case 3—Distribution of Data to an institution (e.g., brokerage,institutional shareholder, etc.).

In some embodiments, the exchange of the instant invention ensures thatthe channels agree to the set of rules that the sender(s) has/haverequired.

In some embodiments, an illustrative electronic communications exchangeof the instant invention allows for the delivery of distributions based,at least in part, upon rules defined by the recipient(s) and/or thesender(s) and supported by the channel(s) and/or source(s).

In some embodiments, the illustrative electronic communications exchangeof the instant invention allows the senders to send distributions to therecipients without having a prior knowledge as to where to send thedistribution. In some embodiments, the illustrative electroniccommunications exchange of the instant invention allows the senders tosend distributions to the recipients without having a prior knowledge asto where to send the distribution and while ensuring compliance with therules set/defined by sources, channels, and/or the recipients.

In some embodiments, the illustrative electronic communications exchangeof the instant invention allows the recipients to select/define thechannels they prefer and/or set/select rules and/or attributes thatalert/inform the illustrative electronic communications exchange of theinstant invention to information/data about the recipients, including,but not limited to, what channels the recipients would like to receivethe distributions through.

In some embodiments, the illustrative electronic communications exchangeof the instant invention is content agnostic, meaning that headerinformation is defined/set ensuring that the information can bedelivered to intended recipients but the distributions can be of anyformat and/or structure. In some embodiments, the illustrativeelectronic communications exchange of the instant invention mediates thedistributions by ensuring that the rules, which are set/selected/definedby the recipients, channels, sources, and/or senders are being followed(e.g., enforced) and that all parties have agreed to set(s) ofobligations (e.g., contractual obligations) to adhere to the rules.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of the illustrativeelectronic communications exchange of the instant invention, showingvarious type of on-way and/or two-way relationships between the senders(501), the sources (502), the channels (503), and/or the recipients(504) (e.g., one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-many) that the anexemplary arrangement of the illustrative electronic communicationsexchange (505) can mediate. FIG. 5, for example, illustrates that, insome embodiments, the illustrative electronic communications exchange ofthe instant invention minimizes/reduces the complexity, by pushing thedistributions and allowing the existing/future channels to receive thedistributions for a host of the senders and/or the recipients.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of the illustrativeelectronic communications exchange of the instant invention, showingvarious type of on-way and/or two-way relationships between the senders(601), the sources (602), the channels (603), and/or the recipients(604) (e.g., one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-many) that the anexemplary arrangement of the illustrative electronic communicationsexchange (605) can mediate. FIG. 6, for example, illustrates that, insome embodiments, the illustrative electronic communications exchange ofthe instant invention minimizes/reduces the complexity, by pushing thedistributions and allowing the existing/future channels to receive thedistributions for a host of the senders and/or the recipients.

As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the illustrative electroniccommunications exchange of the instant invention can perform at leastone or more of the following primary exchange functions:

On Boarding;

Rules;

Discovery;

Delivery;

Insight;

Mediation; and

Identity.

In some embodiments, regarding the “On Boarding” function, each of thesenders, each of the sources, each of the recipients, and/or each of thechannels can have and/or have to meet one or more onboardingrequirements/conditions. In some embodiments, the illustrativeelectronic communications exchange of the instant invention captures therelevant information and ensures that parties are agreeing topredetermined set(s) of arrangements (e.g., legal contracts,highlighting the rules and/or obligations of being part of theillustrative electronic communications exchange of the instantinvention.)

In some embodiments, the “Rules” functionality identifies numerousprocesses by which the illustrative electronic communications exchangeof the instant invention captures, applies, distributes and/or maintainsthe sender rules, the recipient rules, the source rules, and/or thechannel rules.

In some embodiments, the “Discovery” functionality identifies numerousprocesses by which the illustrative electronic communications exchangeof the instant invention identifies relationships between the sendersand the recipients, enabling the flow of information. In someembodiments, the relationship(s) between the senders and the recipientsare/is not expressly defined/determined and the illustrative electroniccommunications exchange of the instant invention dynamicallydetermines/identifies those relationships instead.

In some embodiments, the “Delivery” functionality identifies numerousprocesses by which the illustrative electronic communications exchangeof the instant invention delivers the distribution(s) from the sender(s)to the recipient(s) based, at least in part, upon defined (e.g.,defined/selected/set by the exchange, the sender(s), the source(s), therecipient(s), and/or channel(s)) rules, etc.

In some embodiments, the “Insight” functionality identifies numerousprocesses by which the illustrative electronic communications exchangeof the instant invention allows the audit trail of activities and/or thereporting that can be developed.

In some embodiments, the “Mediation” functionality identifies numerousprocesses by which the illustrative electronic communications exchangeof the instant invention ensures that the situationally appropriateapplication of rules defined by the senders and/or the recipients arebeing applied during interactions between the sources and the channels(e.g., matching rules of the senders and the recipients, and thendistributing the distributions accordingly).

In some embodiments, the “Identity” functionality identifies numerousprocesses by which the illustrative electronic communications exchangeof the instant invention ensures that both the sources and the channelsare properly validating the identity of the senders and the recipientsto the agreed upon level of identity proofing.

In some embodiments, each source and channel performs one or more of thefollowing primary functions:

Publishing,

Storage,

Mediation,

Identity,

Present, and

Audit.

In some embodiments, the “Publishing” functionality identifies numerousprocesses by which illustrative sources utilize application programminginterfaces (APIs) and/or batch interfaces to publish information to theillustrative electronic communications exchange of the instantinvention. In some embodiments, the physical integration between theillustrative source and the illustrative electronic communicationsexchange of the instant invention can occur on the backend, duringcomposition and/or via a printing system.

In some embodiments, the “Storage” functionality identifies numerousprocesses by which illustrative sources can choose to point to one ormore storage repositories of the underlying information (e.g.,documents, messages, streaming content, etc.) and/or publish theinformation through the illustrative electronic communications exchangeof the instant invention for storage within the illustrative electroniccommunications exchange of the instant invention and/or within anillustrative channel.

In some embodiments, the “Mediation” functionality identifies numerousprocesses by which illustrative sources obtain permission(s) to publishthe sender content (e.g., information sent by the sender(s)) through theillustrative electronic communications exchange of the instantinvention. In some embodiments, the illustrative sources are responsiblefor any errors in the sender content that they are providing.

In some embodiments, the “Identity” functionality identifies numerousprocesses by which illustrative channels ensure the validity of therecipients by performing necessary actions to validate the recipients'identity.

In some embodiments, the “Present” functionality identifies numerousprocesses by which illustrative channels notify that newcommunication(s) have/has arrived and the interface by which therecipients are able to view/process the communication(s).

In some embodiments, the “Audit” functionality identifies numerousprocesses by which illustrative channels provide an interface foraccessing audit trail(s)/log(s) by the illustrative electroniccommunications exchange of the instant invention so as to allow thesender(s) a complete audit trail of the delivery of communication(s).

Examples of Illustrative Methodologies Utilized for the “On Boarding”

In some embodiments, regarding the “On Boarding” function, each of thesenders, each of the sources, each of the recipients, and/or each of thechannels can have and/or have to meet one or more onboardingrequirements/conditions. In some embodiments, the illustrativeelectronic communications exchange of the instant invention captures therelevant information and ensures that parties are agreeing topredetermined set(s) of arrangements (e.g., legal contracts,highlighting the rules and/or obligations of being part of theillustrative electronic communications exchange of the instantinvention.)

In some embodiments, the senders onboard to the illustrative electroniccommunications exchange of the instant invention via source system(s) tobe able to send their distributions to the recipients according to thesenders' distribution rules. In some embodiments, the senders can alsospecify, to the illustrative electronic communications exchange of theinstant inventions and/or their respective source(s), services which thesenders would like to participate in.

In some embodiments, the source systems onboard to the illustrativeelectronic communications exchange of the instant invention to providethe distributions it generates/transmits, on behalf of one or moresenders, to the illustrative electronic communications exchange of theinstant invention.

In some embodiments, the channel systems onboard to the illustrativeelectronic communications exchange of the instant invention toreceive/obtain the distributions, on behalf of the recipients, from thesenders via the illustrative electronic communications exchange of theinstant invention.

In some embodiments, the recipient onboard to the illustrativeelectronic communications exchange of the instant invention via thechannel(s) to receive distributions from senders according to therecipients' rules.

Illustrative Examples of the Senders' on-Boarding

In some embodiments, the senders onboard to the illustrative electroniccommunications exchange of the instant invention via the sourcesystem(s) to be able to send their distributions to the recipientsaccording to the senders' distribution rules. In some embodiments, thesenders also specify/select/define services that they will participatein to the illustrative electronic communications exchange of the instantinventions. In some embodiments, during the onboarding process, thesenders can perform at least one or more of the following activities, inone or more predetermined or non-predetermined order:

1) Agree to a Business Exchange Contract which can include, but notlimited to, legal terms of the illustrative electronic communicationsexchange of the instant invention, rules and obligations of each senderand of the illustrative electronic communications exchange of theinstant invention (also, referenced herein as “the exchange”);

2) Define which services to use from the exchange which can include, butis not limited to, one or more of the following: Rule exchange,Discovery, Delivery, and/or Insight;

3) Define distribution rules (e.g., sender rules) which can include oneor more conditions to be respected by the exchange and any channel inthe delivery of the distributions to recipient(s) such as, but is notlimited to, the rules needed from the recipient(s), how the recipient(s)are/is authenticated and/or identified, a level of security needed forthe delivery, a storage of any distribution, support for dualdistribution, etc.;

4) Define Sender's Identify which can include, but is not limited to,how particular sender(s) will be presented and identified to thechannel(s) and/or other sender(s) on the exchange (e.g., but not limitedto the sender's name, logo, contact information, and/or otherinformation that may help particular recipient(s) to identify/recall thesender);

5) Define Sender's Distribution Types which can include the distributiontypes (e.g., -mail (e.g., MIME), streaming media, XML objects, FIX(Financial Information eXchange) data, FAST (FIX Adapted for Streaming)data, etc.) that particular sender(s) will be providing to the exchanges(via the source systems);

6) Provide historical information which can include, but is not limitedto, previous distributions to the recipients, information about previousdistributions, information about previous recipients to enable servicesof the exchange; and

7) Designate one or more sources which can include, but is not limitedto, identifying the source system(s) that will be providing thedistributions for and/or from particular sender(s).

In some embodiments, particular source(s) could be the sender(s)themselves/itself. In some embodiments, the instant invention can assumethat relationship(s) exist(s) between the sender(s) and the source(s)separately from the particular sender's relationship with the exchange.

Illustrative Examples of the Sources' On-Boarding

In some embodiments, the sources onboard to the illustrative electroniccommunications exchange of the instant invention to provide thedistributions the sources produce (on behalf of one or more senders) tothe illustrative electronic communications exchange of the instantinvention. In some embodiments, during the onboarding process, thesources can perform at least one or more of the following activities, inone or more predetermined or non-predetermined order:

1) Agree to a Business Exchange Contract which can include, but is notlimited to, the legal terms of the exchange, including rules andobligations of the source system(s) and of the exchange (in someembodiments, the instant invention assumes that there is a relationshipbetween the senders and the source(s) separately from the relationshipbetween i) the source(s) and/or the senders and ii) with the exchange);

2) Define the header format of Distributions which can include, but isnot limited to, defining the data format for the header information ofthe distributions that will be sent via the exchange;

3) Define Security protocols which can include, but is not limited to,defining the security protocols for the transmission of data between thesource system(s) and the exchange, including (but is not limited to)authentication, identification, and/or encryption for both data andtransport mechanisms;

4) Establish connectivity to Exchange which can include, but is notlimited to, establishing technical connectivity between the sourcesystem(s) and the exchange; and

5) Provide historical information which can include, but is not limitedto, at the sender's or senders' request(s), provide the exchange withany historical information needed to enable exchange services that thesender(s) wish(es) to use.

Illustrative Examples of the Channels' On-Boarding

In some embodiments, the channels onboard to the illustrative electroniccommunications exchange of the instant invention to receive the content(on behalf of the Recipient(s)) from the senders via the illustrativeelectronic communications exchange of the instant invention. In someembodiments, during the onboarding process, the channels can perform atleast one or more of the following activities, in one or morepredetermined or non-predetermined order:

1) Agree to a Business Exchange Contract which can include, but is notlimited to, the legal terms of the exchange, including rules andobligations of the channel system(s) and of the exchange;

2) Define the header format of Distributions which can include, but isnot limited to, defining the data format for the header information ofthe distributions that will be sent via the exchange;

3) Define channel capabilities which can include, but is not limited to,various capabilities the channel(s) can support in the delivery of thedistributions to the recipient(s); such capability as, but is notlimited to, the rules collection, how the recipient(s) is/areauthenticated and/or identified, the level of security supported, thestorage of distribution and/or support for dual distribution;

4) Define Security protocols which can include, but is not limited to,defining the security protocols for the transmission of data between thechannel system(s) and the exchange, including (but is not limited to)authentication, identification, and/or encryption for both data andtransport mechanisms;

5) Establish connectivity to Exchange which can include, but is notlimited to, establishing technical connectivity between the sourcesystem(s) and the exchange; and

6) Add the sender(s) to channel(s) which can include, but is not limitedto, exposing the sender(s) identity(ies) to the channel(s).

Illustrative Examples of the Recipients' On-Boarding

In some embodiments, the recipients onboard to the illustrativeelectronic communications exchange of the instant invention via thechannel(s) to receive distributions according to the recipients' rules.In some embodiments, during the onboarding process, the recipients canperform at least one or more of the following activities, in one or morepredetermined or non-predetermined order:

1) Agree to a Business Exchange Contract which can include, but notlimited to, legal terms of the illustrative electronic communicationsexchange of the instant invention, rules and obligations of the channelsystem(s) and of the exchange (in some embodiments, the instantinvention assumes that there is a relationship between the recipientsand the channel(s) separately from the relationship between i) thechannel(s) and/or the recipients and ii) with the exchange);

2) Verify Identify which can include, but is not limited to, providinginformation to verify the recipient's identity (in some embodiments, theinstant invention assumes that the authentication has been establishedby the channel and the recipient); and

3) Establish rules which can include, but is not limited to,establishing rules for the receipt of distributions such as, but is notlimited to: i) general rule(s), applying to (a) all senders, (b) allchannels, and/or (c) all distribution types; ii) specific rule(s),applying to (a) a single sender, (b) a single channel and/or (c) asingle distribution type, or any combination of i)(a) to ii)(c).

FIG. 7 illustrates illustrative processes that, in some embodiments, theillustrative electronic communications exchange of the instant inventioncan utilize for capturing, applying, distributing, and/or maintainingthe sender attributes and/or rules, and/or the recipient attributesand/or rules in accordance with some embodiments of the instantinvention.

As FIG. 7 shows, in some embodiments, the illustrative electroniccommunications exchange of the instant invention can mediate capturing,applying, distributing, and/or maintaining rules among parties inaccordance with at least the following:

Senders: the sender attributes and/or rules define/identify the rules bywhich distributions can be delivered, —for example, in some embodiments,the sender rules may include, but are not limited to, supportedchannel(s), enabled source(s), identity validation and consent (e.g.,legal consent) requirement(s), timing of delivery, etc.; in someembodiments, the sender rules may be also set for a specificdistribution type, across a category of distribution types, or acrossall distribution types;

Sources: the source systems integrate with the illustrative electroniccommunications exchange of the instant invention to capture the senderrules as well as defining the source system rules regarding the types ofdistributions enabled through the source system(s);

Exchange: the illustrative electronic communications exchange of theinstant invention facilitates the capturing of the sender rules and/orthe recipient rules through the source(s), channel(s) and/oradministrative interface(s), ensuring that all rules are being followedduring the delivery process and distributing appropriate ruleinformation to the senders, the recipients, the sources and thechannels;

Channels: the channels integrate with the illustrative electroniccommunications exchange of the instant invention to capture therecipient rules and/or broadcast, to the exchange, channel-specificrules defining at least one of the type(s) of distributions that can besupported, delivery timing capabilities, validation capabilities (e.g.,identity verification), etc.; and

Recipients: the recipient rules can define/identify/select at least oneof: the channel(s) that the recipients would like to use, the type ofcommunications/distributions that the recipients would like todistribute, validation information, etc.; in some embodiments, therecipients may set rules for at least one of: a distribution type, asingle sender, across an industry, and/or universally.

FIG. 8 illustrates illustrative processes associated with capturing,applying, displaying, distributing, and/or maintaining the recipientattributes and/or rules concerning the exchange's functionalities inaccordance with some embodiments of the instant invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates illustrative processes associated with capturing,applying, displaying, distributing, and/or maintaining the recipientattributes and/or rules concerning the sender(s) in accordance with someembodiments of the instant invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates illustrative processes associated with capturing,applying, displaying, distributing, and/or maintaining channel-dependentrecipient attributes and/or rules in accordance with some embodiments ofthe instant invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates illustrative processes associated with capturing,applying, displaying, distributing, and/or maintainingchannel-independent recipient attributes and/or rules in accordance withsome embodiments of the instant invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates illustrative processes associated with capturing,applying, displaying, distributing, and/or maintaining the channelspecific attributes and/or rules which define/identify/select thecapabilities of the channel(s), including, but is not limited to, thetypes of distributions supported.

FIG. 13 illustrates illustrative processes associated with capturing,applying, distributing, displaying, and/or maintaining the senderattributes and/or rules which define/identify/select the rules that thesenders would liked to be followed, including, but is not limited to,rules at least about one of what sources the senders are authorizing tosend distributions on their behalf, the specifics and/or attributes of achannel that the senders require to enable a particular channel fordelivery the distributions.

FIG. 14 illustrates illustrative processes associated with capturing,applying, displaying, distributing, and/or maintaining the sourcespecific attributes and/or rules which define/identify/select thecapabilities of the source(s), including, but is not limited to, thetypes of distributions supported on behalf of the senders.

Illustrative Examples of Universal Rules & Attributes

In some embodiments, the illustrative electronic communications exchangeof the instant invention allows the senders and the recipients at leastto set rules and to define the scope of those rules, such that through asingle action the recipients and the senders can define one or more rulethat will apply across a single sender/channel or any combination of thesenders and/or the channels. For example, in some embodiments, through aparticular channel, each recipient could set one or more rule(s) toreceive client statements (e.g., bank statements, account statements,trade confirmations, other personal information) and define that suchrecipient would like the rule(s) to apply across at least one of: adistribution type, across an account, across a single sender, across anindustry, across all senders available on the exchange, etc. In someembodiments, the illustrative electronic communications exchange of theinstant invention allows to simplify the senders experience arounddefining rule(s).

Illustrative Examples of Consent Capture

Typically, within many industries capturing a rule from a recipient mustalso include the capturing of a legal consent for the sender to applythat rule. For example, within the brokerage industry after capturing arule to distribute communications electronically (e.g., accountstatements, trade confirmations, government mandated materials aboutinvestments, etc.), an investor must agree to terms and conditions tolegally receive that content through a digital channel. In someembodiments, within the exchange of the instant invention allows tocapture the consent by allowing the recipient to set rule(s) and thenreceive notification(s) that the recipient's consent is also requiredthrough a particular channel selected by such recipient.

For example, in some embodiments, if a recipient sets rule(s) to receivestatements, from any company that the recipient has one or morerelationship(s), through a particular channel, the exchange wouldinitiate an account discovery process to identify such relationship(s).In some embodiments, once such relationship(s) has/have been identified,if a consent is required, the exchange would deliver a message, throughthe channel, to the recipient, requesting the recipient to agree to theconsent language. Once the recipient agrees, such rule(s) would not beapplicable.

Illustrative Examples of Discovery of Relationships

In some embodiments, the illustrative electronic communications exchangeof the instant invention performs the discovery of relationships whichincludes, but is not limited to, processes to identify relationshipsbetween the senders and the recipients, enabling the flow ofinformation.

In some embodiments, the discovery can be done using, for example, atleast one of at least three following approaches, or any combination ofthese approaches:

i) Exchange-based discovery,

ii) Sender-based discovery, and

iii) Channel-based discovery.

In some embodiments, in all three cases (or in combinations of cases),the discovery can yield at least one of the following results:

i) suggestion(s) to particular recipient(s) to set rule(s) fordistributions from particular sender(s), and

ii) distribution(s) from such sender(s).

In some embodiments, the result of the discovery process depends, atleast in part, on the sender's distribution rules.

FIG. 15 illustrates exemplary processes for the exchange-based discoveryof relationship to identify relationships between the senders and therecipients, enabling the flow of information in accordance with someembodiments of the instant invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates exemplary processes for the sender-based discoveryof relationship to identify relationships between the senders and therecipients, enabling the flow of information in accordance with someembodiments of the instant invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates exemplary processes for the channel-based discoveryof relationship to identify relationships between the senders and therecipients, enabling the flow of information in accordance with someembodiments of the instant invention.

Illustrative Examples of Delivery of Distributions

In some embodiments, the illustrative electronic communications exchangeof the instant invention performs the delivery of distributions from thesender(s) to the recipient(s) based, at least in part, upon definedrules.

In some embodiments, the delivery of distributions can be done using atleast one of at least three of the following approaches, or anycombination of these approaches:

Exchange-based rules,

ii) Sender-based rules, and

iii) Channel-based rules.

In some embodiments, the above illustrative approaches are defined byvariations on at least three steps in the distribution process:

i) applying the sender's distribution rules,

ii) matching a sender's recipient's identification to a channel'srecipient's identification, and

applying the recipient's delivery rules.

FIG. 18 illustrates exemplary processes, utilizing the exchange-basedrules, for delivery of distributions from the sender(s) to therecipient(s) in accordance with some embodiments of the instantinvention.

FIG. 19 illustrates exemplary processes, utilizing the source-basedrules, for delivery of distributions from the sender(s) to therecipient(s) in accordance with some embodiments of the instantinvention.

FIG. 20 illustrates exemplary processes, utilizing the channel-basedrules, for delivery of distributions from the sender(s) to therecipient(s) in accordance with some embodiments of the instantinvention.

Illustrative Examples of Insight Functionality

In some embodiments, the illustrative electronic communications exchangeof the instant invention keeps an audit trail as the distributions flowthrough the exchange, such audit trail can include, but is not limitedto, updates to rules and attributes, and other changes that occurs withand/or caused by the recipients, the senders, the channels, theexchange, and/or the sources. In some embodiments, through theintegration with the channel(s), the exchange updates/matches/validatesthe exchange collected data. In some embodiments, the illustrativeelectronic communications exchange of the instant invention allows thesenders to gain insight into the delivery of their distributions. Forexample, the audit trail data and/or the audit trail data enriched withdata provided by various channels and/or sources can be used to provideat least one of the following, but is not limited to:

i) comprehensive audit trail of distributions, useful, for example, todemonstrate regulatory compliance and/or delivery;

ii) insight into how the recipients are, for example, using thecommunications they receive;

iii) allowing the senders to perform anonymous analysis, utilizingvarious analytical tools, to determine, for example, which components ofthe distribution are most interesting to the recipients; and

iv) determining how to integrate communications and/or combine contenteffectively for various classes of the recipients; and

v) performing other suitable reporting and/or analysis.

FIG. 21 illustrates exemplary audit trail activities and reportingcapabilities in accordance with some embodiments of the instantinvention.

Illustrative Examples of Rules Utilized by the Instant Invention

In some embodiments, the sender(s) set/select/define at least one ormore rules regarding at least the following categories associated withthe senders, but are not limited to:

Identifiers;

Identity Validation Level;

Rule capture;

Consent capture:

-   -   at least language;

Per Distribution types, at least one or more of the followingparameters:

-   -   Name    -   Delivery requirements (e.g., timeframe, etc.)    -   Valid Source(s); and

Legal language acceptance.

In some embodiments, the sender(s) set/select/define at least one ormore rules regarding at least the following categories associated withthe recipients, but are not limited to:

Validated Identity;

Capture rules, such as, but is not limited to:

-   -   Channel per distribution type; and

Consent.

In some embodiments, the sender(s) set/select/define at least one ormore rules regarding at least the following categories associated withthe sources, but are not limited to:

Validation of their identity;

Agreement to rules of the exchange; and

Agreement on Identifiers (e.g., header identifies to be used).

In some embodiments, the sender(s) set/select/define at least one ormore rules regarding at least the following categories associated withthe channels, but are not limited to:

Validation of the identity;

Agreement to the rules of the exchange;

Delivery rules they are willing to support; and

Pricing Model.

Illustrative Examples of Binding of Rules

In some embodiments, the late binding of rules ensures that recipientrules are being followed and that the channel designated for deliveryhas agreed to rules defined by the sender(s), such as, but is notlimited to, at least one of:

i) channel must agree to validating the identity of the recipient;

capturing the recipient's rules;

capturing a specific consent and/or common consent;

maintaining an audit trail; and

pricing of x amount or less than x amount

Illustrative Examples of Appling the Instant Invention: NewsstandApplication Channel

In some embodiments, the instant invention is utilized in the form of anapplication that would be made accessible to the end consumer throughthe newsstand or app stores that power the distribution of software todigital devices. In some embodiments, a newsstand application inaccordance with the instant invention can include components thatprovide one of or more of at least the following capabilities:

-   -   Identity Management—a component that verifies and ensures the        identity of the end user;    -   Rule Management—a component that captures delivery rules at the        consumer level vs. the account level regarding the format(s)        and/or channel(s) to use (e.g., the recipients to use the        delivery rules to communicate with firms that the recipients        have relationships with);    -   Account Matching—a component that matches verified identities of        recipients and/or the sender(s) with their existing financial        services accounts;    -   Consent Management—a workflow component that captures        appropriate legal consents to enable the distribution of        communications digitally;    -   Notifications—a notification component that distributes        notifications containing meta data highlighting the availability        of a new communication to the end user through the Newsstand        application;    -   Document Retrieval—a retrieval component that retrieves the        underlying document(s)/communication(s) stored within        distributed and/or centralized data bases for purposes of        presentation within the Newsstand application; and    -   Presentation—a presentation component that presents the        underlying communication(s) within the Newsstand application.

In some embodiments, the newsstand application can reside on a consumerstablet device.

In some embodiments, the newsstand application includes programmableinterface(s) or web service based interfaces that a user can utilize inaccordance with principles of the instant invention.

In some embodiments, consumer installs the application by selecting theapp through the devices app store or newsstand (FIG. 22, for example,shows various illustrative methodologies of accessing the Newsstandapp). In some embodiments, a device manufacturer can pre-install theapplication and makes it available through the newsstand or as astand-alone application. In some embodiments, the verification processof the instant invention can also be accomplished in one or more of thefollowing ways, but is not limited to:

1) once a user has accessed the application for the first time, the useris asked to provide several pieces of information that can beindependently verified, and the verification process then verifies theuser's identity based on information provided; and

2) the user receives a separate communication through a regular and/orelectronic mail which provides an access code in the form of a URL, QRCode, or other similarly suitable mechanism that allows the user to bothaccess the application and verify the user's identity in one step.

FIG. 23 shows an illustrative flowchart of accessing the Newsstandapplication in accordance with some embodiments of the instantinvention.

FIG. 24 shows an illustrative flowchart of delivering distributionsutilizing the Newsstand application in accordance with some embodimentsof the instant invention.

Further Illustrative Examples of the Instant Invention

In some embodiments, the onboarding of a recipient through a particularchannel (e.g., being tied to identity) utilizes the identity mapping(e.g., recipient's identity mapped to sender's version(s) of therecipient identity).

In some embodiments, the rule exchange can involve, but is not limitedto, the identity authentication, followed by the setting of rules forthe recipient, scope of the rules, and distribution of the rules (e.g.,staying within the exchange).

In some embodiments, the instant invention involves the accountdiscovery which includes, but is not limited to, identifying potentialrelationships from historical distributions when a particular recipientis identified by the exchange based, at least in part, on identifyinginformation received from such recipient and/or from a third party aboutsuch recipient.

In some embodiments, the instant invention involves capturing aparticular recipient's consent, generally from rule(s) defined/selectedby such recipient, and/or a set of common rules.

In some embodiments, the distribution processing can involve, but is notlimited to, at least one of the following illustrative actions: thesending of a distribution, the applying of a rule, the delivery of thedistribution through the correct channel to the recipient, and theauditability.

In some embodiments, the instant invention is utilized for documentretrieval.

In some embodiments, the instant invention allows the insight and theauditability throughout the exchange.

In some embodiments, the instant invention utilizes at least onespecialized programming languages, such as XML and JSON, to deliver thedistributions through the exchange of the instant invention.

Further Illustrative Operating Environments

FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which some embodiments of thepresent invention can operate. However, not all of these components maybe required to practice the invention, and variations in the arrangementand type of the components may be made without departing from the spiritor scope of the invention. In some embodiment, the exchange of theinstant invention hosts/communicates with a large number of the sendersand the recipients (e.g., at least 1,000, at least 10,000; at least100,000; at least 1,000,000) and processes a large number of concurrenttransactions (e.g., at least 1,000; at least 10,000; at least 100,000;at least 1,000,000). In some embodiments, the illustrative exchange ofthe instant invention is based on a scalable computer and networkarchitecture that incorporates varies strategies for assessing the data,caching, searching, and database connection pooling. In someembodiments, an example of the scalable architecture is an architecturethat is capable of operating multiple servers.

In embodiments, members of the inventive computer system 102-104 (e.g.,the sources and the channels connected to the exchange) includevirtually any computing device capable of receiving and sending amessage over a network, such as network 105, to and from anothercomputing device, such as servers 106 and 107, each other, and the like.In embodiments, the set of such devices includes devices that typicallyconnect using a wired communications medium such as personal computers,multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumerelectronics, network PCs, and the like. In embodiments, the set of suchdevices also includes devices that typically connect using a wirelesscommunications medium such as cell phones, smart phones, pagers, walkietalkies, radio frequency (RF) devices, infrared (IR) devices, CBs,integrated devices combining one or more of the preceding devices, orvirtually any mobile device, and the like. Similarly, in embodiments,client devices 102-104 are any device that is capable of connectingusing a wired or wireless communication medium such as a PDA, POCKET PC,wearable computer, mobile computing device, cell phone, smartphones,tablets, and any other device that is equipped to communicate over awired and/or wireless communication medium.

In embodiments, each member device within member devices 102-104 mayinclude a browser application that is configured to receive and to sendweb pages, and the like. In embodiments, the browser application may beconfigured to receive and display graphics, text, multimedia, and thelike, employing virtually any web based language, including, but notlimited to Standard Generalized Markup Language (SMGL), such asHyperText Markup Language (HTML), a wireless application protocol (WAP),a Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML), such as Wireless MarkupLanguage (WML), WMLScript, JavaScript, and the like. In embodiments, theinvention is programmed in either Java or .Net.

In embodiments, member devices 102-104 may be further configured toreceive a message from the another computing device employing anothermechanism, including, but not limited to email, Short Message Service(SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MMS), instant messaging (IM),internet relay chat (IRC), mIRC, Jabber, and the like.

In embodiments, network 105 may be configured to couple one computingdevice to another computing device to enable them to communicate. Inembodiments, network 105 may be enabled to employ any form of computerreadable media for communicating information from one electronic deviceto another. Also, in embodiments, network 105 may include a wirelessinterface, and/or a wired interface, such as the Internet, in additionto local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), directconnections, such as through a universal serial bus (USB) port, otherforms of computer-readable media, or any combination thereof. Inembodiments, on an interconnected set of LANs, including those based ondiffering architectures and protocols, a router may act as a linkbetween LANs, enabling messages to be sent from one to another.

Also, in some embodiments, communication links within LANs typicallyinclude twisted wire pair or coaxial cable, while communication linksbetween networks may utilize analog telephone lines, full or fractionaldedicated digital lines including T1, T2, T3, and T4, IntegratedServices Digital Networks (ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs),wireless links including satellite links, or other communications linksknown to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, in some embodiments,remote computers and other related electronic devices could be remotelyconnected to either LANs or WANs via a modem and temporary telephonelink. In essence, in some embodiments, network 105 includes anycommunication method by which information may travel between clientdevices 102-104, and servers 106 and 107.

FIG. 2 shows another exemplary embodiment of the computer and networkarchitecture that supports some embodiments of the inventive system. Insome embodiments, the member devices 202 a, 202 b thru 202 n shown(e.g., the sources and the channels connected with the exchange), eachcomprises a computer-readable medium, such as a random access memory(RAM) 208 coupled to a processor 210 or FLASH memory. The processor 210may execute computer-executable program instructions stored in memory208. Such processors comprise a microprocessor, an ASIC, and statemachines. Such processors comprise, or may be in communication with,media, for example computer-readable media, which stores instructionsthat, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform thesteps described herein. Embodiments of computer-readable media mayinclude, but are not limited to, an electronic, optical, magnetic, orother storage or transmission device capable of providing a processor,such as the processor 210 of client 202 a, with computer-readableinstructions. Other examples of suitable media may include, but are notlimited to, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic disk, memory chip, ROM,RAM, an ASIC, a configured processor, all optical media, all magnetictape or other magnetic media, or any other medium from which a computerprocessor can read instructions. Also, in some embodiments, of theinstant invention, various other forms of computer-readable media maytransmit or carry instructions to a computer, including a router,private or public network, or other transmission device or channel, bothwired and wireless. The instructions may comprise code from anycomputer-programming language, including, for example, C, C++, C#,Visual Basic, Java, Python, Perl, and JavaScript.

In some embodiments, member devices 202 a-n may also comprise a numberof external or internal devices such as a mouse, a CD-ROM, DVD, akeyboard, a display, or other input or output devices. Examples ofclient devices 202 a-n may be personal computers, digital assistants,personal digital assistants, cellular phones, mobile phones, smartphones, pagers, digital tablets, laptop computers, Internet appliances,and other processor-based devices. In general, a client device 202 a arebe any type of processor-based platform that is connected to a network206 and that interacts with one or more application programs. Clientdevices 202 a-n may operate on any operating system capable ofsupporting a browser or browser-enabled application, such as Microsoft™,Windows™, or Linux. The client devices 202 a-n shown may include, forexample, personal computers executing a browser application program suchas Microsoft Corporation's Internet Explorer™, Apple Computer, Inc.'sSafari™, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera. Through the client devices 202 a-n,users 212 a-n communicate over the network 206 with each other and withother systems and devices coupled to the network 206. As shown in FIG.2, server devices 204 and 213 may be also coupled to the network 206.

For purposes of the instant description, the terms “cloud,” “Internetcloud,” “cloud computing,” “cloud architecture,” and similar termscorrespond to at least one of the following: (1) a large number ofcomputers connected through a real-time communication network (e.g.,Internet); (2) providing the ability to run a program or application onmany connected computers (e.g., physical machines, virtual machines(VMs)) at the same time; (3) network-based services, which appear to beprovided by real server hardware, and are in fact served up by virtualhardware (e.g., virtual servers), simulated by software running on oneor more real machines (e.g., allowing to be moved around and scaled up(or down) on the fly without affecting the end user). In someembodiments, the instant invention offers/manages the cloudcomputing/architecture as, but not limiting to: infrastructure a service(IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate schematics of exemplary implementations of thecloud computing/architecture.

In some embodiments, the term “mobile electronic device” may refer toany portable electronic device that may or may not be enabled withlocation tracking functionality. For example, a mobile electronic devicecan include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, tablet, PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA), Blackberry™, Pager, Smartphone, or any otherreasonable mobile electronic device. For ease, at times the abovevariations are not listed or are only partially listed, this is in noway meant to be a limitation.

In some embodiments, the terms “proximity detection,” “locating,”“location data,” “location information,” and “location tracking” as usedherein may refer to any form of location tracking technology or locatingmethod that can be used to provide a location of a mobile electronicdevice, such as, but not limited to, at least one of locationinformation manually input by a user, such as, but not limited toentering the city, town, municipality, zip code, area code, crossstreets, or by any other reasonable entry to determine a geographicalarea; Global Positions Systems (GPS); GPS accessed using Bluetooth™; GPSaccessed using any reasonable form of wireless and/or non-wirelesscommunication; WiFi™ server location data; Bluetooth™ based locationdata; triangulation such as, but not limited to, network basedtriangulation, WiFi™ server information based triangulation, Bluetooth™server information based triangulation; Cell Identification basedtriangulation, Enhanced Cell Identification based triangulation,Uplink-Time difference of arrival (U-TDOA) based triangulation, Time ofarrival (TOA) based triangulation, Angle of arrival (AOA) basedtriangulation; techniques and systems using a geographic coordinatesystem such as, but not limited to, longitudinal and latitudinal based,geodesic height based, cartesian coordinates based; Radio FrequencyIdentification such as, but not limited to, Long range RFID, Short rangeRFID; using any form of RFID tag such as, but not limited to active RFIDtags, passive RFID tags, battery assisted passive RFID tags; or anyother reasonable way to determine location. For ease, at times the abovevariations are not listed or are only partially listed, this is in noway meant to be a limitation.

In some embodiments, the instant invention can utilize near-fieldwireless communication (NFC) that can represent a short-range wirelesscommunications technology in which NFC-enabled devices are “swiped,”“bumped,” “tap” or otherwise moved in close proximity to communicate. Insome embodiments, NFC could include a set of short-range wirelesstechnologies, typically requiring a distance of 10 cm or less.

In some embodiments, NFC may operate at 13.56 MHz on ISO/IEC 18000-3 airinterface and at rates ranging from 106 kbit/s to 424 kbit/s. In someembodiments, NFC can involve an initiator and a target; the initiatoractively generates an RF field that can power a passive target. In someembodiments, this can enable NFC targets to take very simple formfactors such as tags, stickers, key fobs, or cards that do not requirebatteries. In some embodiments, NFC peer-to-peer communication can beconducted when a plurality of NFC-enable devices are within closeproximity of each other.

In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for acomputer-implemented method that at least includes the following steps:administering, by a first specifically programed computer system of acommunications exchange, an electronic delivery of at least one firstelectronic distribution from at least one first sender to at least onefirst recipient, by allowing: i) the at least one first sender to sendthe at least one first electronic distribution to the at least one firstrecipient, and ii) the at least one first recipient to set a pluralityof recipient attributes and a plurality of recipient rules to identify,for the at least one first sender, the communications exchange, or both,at least one of the following: 1) what electronic distributions the atleast one first recipient desires to receive, 2) where the at least onefirst recipient desires to receive electronic distributions addressed tothe at least one first recipient, and 3) how the at least one firstrecipient desires to receive the electronic distributions addressed tothe at least one first recipient; where the mediating, by the firstspecifically programed computer system of the communications exchange,includes: receiving, by the first specifically programed computer systemof a communications exchange, from at least one first source of aplurality of sources, at least one first electronic distribution of theat least one first sender, where the at least one first electronicdistribution is addressed to the at least one first recipient; where theat least one first source is a second computer-programmed electronicsystem that the at least one first sender utilizes; where the receivingof the at least one first electronic distribution is in accordance withat least one first electronic exchange protocol defined between thefirst specifically programed computer system of the communicationsexchange and the second computer-programmed electronic system of the atleast one first source; receiving, by the first specifically programedcomputer system, from the at least one first sender, a plurality ofsender attributes of the at least one first sender and a plurality ofsender rules of the at least one first sender that define how electronicdistributions of the at least one first sender to be delivered;receiving, by the first specifically programed computer system of thecommunications exchange, the plurality of recipient attributes of the atleast one first recipient and the plurality of recipient rules of the atleast one first recipient; matching, by the first specifically programedcomputer system of the communications exchange, the at least one firstelectronic distribution of at least one first sender to the at least onefirst recipient; transmitting, by the first specifically programedcomputer system of the communications exchange, the at least one firstelectronic distribution of at least one first sender to at least onefirst channel associated with the at least one first recipient; wherethe matching and transmitting are based at least in part on: i) theplurality of sender attributes of the at least one first sender, ii) theplurality of sender rules of the at least one first sender, iii) theplurality of recipient attributes of the at least one first recipient,and iv) the plurality of recipient rules of the at least one firstrecipient; where the first channel is a third computer-programmedelectronic system that the at least one first recipient utilizes toreceive the electronic distributions addressed to the at least one firstrecipient; where the second computer-programmed electronic system of theat least one first source and the third computer-programmed electronicsystem of the at least one first channel are independent from eachother; and where the transmitting is in accordance with at least onesecond electronic exchange protocol defined between the firstspecifically programed computer system of the communications exchangeand the third computer-programmed electronic system of the at least onechannel.

In some embodiments, the at least one first electronic exchange protocolis based at least in part on: i) a plurality of source attributes of theat least one first source, ii) a plurality of source rules of the atleast one first source, iii) a plurality of exchange attributes of thecommunications exchange, and iv) a plurality of exchange rules of thecommunications exchange.

In some embodiments, the at least one second electronic exchangeprotocol is based at least in part on: i) a plurality of channelattributes of the at least one first channel, ii) a plurality of channelrules of the at least one first channel, iii) a plurality of exchangeattributes of the communications exchange, and iv) a plurality ofexchange rules of the communications exchange.

In some embodiments, the at least one first channel is selected from thegroup of: i) secure electronic messaging system, ii) a website, iii) adevice application, and iv) a digital mail system.

In some embodiments, the at least one first source is selected from thegroup of: i) secure electronic messaging system, ii) a website, iii) adevice application, and iv) a digital mail system.

In some embodiments, the at least one first recipient is selected fromthe group of: i) an individual, ii) a retail investor, iii) aninstitutional investor, and iv) an entity that is not a person.

In some embodiments, the plurality of recipient attributes are selectedfrom the group of: i) a piece of information to be used to verifyidentity of the at least first recipient, where the piece of informationincludes at least one of the following: 1) first, last and middle name,2) an organization name, 3) a physical address, 4) a date of birth, 5) agovernment identifier, 6) a telephone number, and 7) a bio-metricscredential, ii) an email address, and iii) an identity credential.

In some embodiments, the plurality of recipient rules are selected fromthe group of: i) at least one legal consent rule regarding obtaining alegal consent to deliver regulatory information, ii) at least one firstchannel rule set by sender, iii) at least one second channel ruleregarding document type, and iv) at least one third channel ruleregarding delivery time, where the plurality of recipient rules are setto be permanent or to be followed during or for a pre-determined timeperiod.

In some embodiments, the at least one first sender is selected from thegroup of: i) an individual, ii) an individual investor, iii) a financialorganization, and iv) an entity that is not a person.

In some embodiments, the plurality of sender attributes are selectedfrom the group of: i) a piece of information to be used to verifyidentity of the at least first recipient, where the piece of informationincludes at least one of the following: 1) first, last and middle name,2) an organization name, 3) a physical address, 4) a date of birth, 5) agovernment identifier, 6) a telephone number of the at least one firstrecipient, 7) a telephone number of the organization, and 8) abio-metrics credential, ii) identifying information of the at least onefirst sender to be displayed by the at least one first channel to the atleast one recipient, iii) at least one first sender identifier that isutilized to identify the at least one first sender to at least one of:the first specifically programed computer system of the communicationsexchange, the at least one first source, the plural of the sources, theat least one first channel, the plurality of channels, and the at leastone first recipient.

In some embodiments, the plurality of sender rules is selected from thegroup of: i) at least one first sender rule identifying at least onechannel supported by the at least one sender, ii) at least one secondsender rule identifying at least one characteristic to be used toidentify the at least one channel supported by the at least one sender,iii) at least one fourth sender rule identifying a legal consentlanguage to be accepted by to the at least one first recipient, iv) atleast one fourth sender rule identifying how identity of the at leastone first recipient to be verified, and v) at least one fourth senderrule identifying how the plurality of recipient attributes of the atleast one first recipient to be validated.

In some embodiments, the at least one first electronic distribution ofthe at least one first sender is selected from the group of: i) at leastone advertising, ii) at least one catalogue, iii) at least one financialrecord statement, iv) at least one trade confirmation, v) at least oneregulatory communication, vi) a public company's proxy, votinginstruction form, or both, vii) a mutual fund's proxy, votinginstruction form, or both, viii) at least one initial public offeringprospectus, ix) at least one mutual fund prospectus, x) at least onelegal notice, xi) at least one corporate notice, xii) at least onegovernment non-regulatory communication, xiii) at least one certificate,xiv) at least one trading instruction, xv) at least one check, xvi) atleast one data element, xvii) at least one image, xviii) at least onevideo, xix) at least one audio recording, xx) at least one interactiveapplication, xxi) at least one letter or notice, xxii) at least onestandardized formatted message, xxiii) at least one non-standardformatted message whose formatted has been mutually agreed upon the atleast one first sender and the at least one first recipient); and xxiv)at least one link to at least one of: the at least one electronicdocument, the at least one data element, the at least one image, the atleast one video, the at least one audio recording, and the at least oneinteractive application.

In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of thefollowing: i) sharing, by the first specifically programed computersystem of a communications exchange, the plurality of recipientattributes and the plurality of the recipients rules with the at leastone first sender, at least one other sender of the plurality of senders,or the plurality of senders, ii) applying, by the first specificallyprogramed computer system of a communications exchange, the plurality ofrecipient attributes and the plurality of the recipients rules todeliver the at least one first electronic distribution received from theat least one first sender, without prior sharing the plurality ofrecipient attributes and the plurality of the recipients rules with theat least one first sender and the at least one first source, and iii)applying, by the first specifically programed computer system of acommunications exchange, the plurality of recipient attributes and theplurality of the recipients rules to deliver the at least one firstelectronic distribution received from the at least one first sender.

In some embodiments, the first specifically programed computer system ofthe communications exchange receives the plurality of recipientattributes and the plurality of recipient rules from at least one of thefollowing: i) the at least one first sender, at least one other senderof the plurality of senders, or the plurality of senders, and ii) the atleast one first channel, at least one other channel of the plurality ofchannels, or the plurality of channels.

In some embodiments, the plurality of sender attributes and theplurality of sender rules are set by at least one of the following: i)the at least one first sender, and ii) the at least one first source, atleast one other source of the plurality of sources, or the plurality ofsources.

In some embodiments, the method further includes: notifying, by thefirst specifically programed computer system of the communicationsexchange, the at least one first sender that the delivery of the atleast one first electronic distribution has failed.

In some embodiments, the method further includes: identifying, by thefirst specifically programed computer system of the communicationsexchange, at least one relationship between the at least one firstrecipient and the at least one first sender, the plurality of senders,or both, based at least in part on the plurality of recipient attributesset by the at least one first recipient.

In some embodiments, the identifying the at least one relationship isfurther based on historical information about at least one of: i) the atleast one first recipient, ii) the at least one first sender, and iii)the plurality of senders.

In some embodiments, the method further includes: converting, by thefirst specifically programed computer system of the communicationsexchange, the at least one first electronic distribution from a firstformat of the at least one first source to a second format of the atleast one first channel.

In some embodiments, the method further includes: generating, by thefirst specifically programed computer system of the communicationsexchange, for the at least one first sender, at least one first report,identifying at least one of the following: i) delivery information aboutsuccessful delivery, failed delivery, or both, ii) viewing informationregarding whether has been viewed or not, and iii) usage informationregarding a utilization of the at least one first electronicdistribution within the at least one first channel, the plurality fchannels, or both.

In some embodiments, the method further includes: generating, by thefirst specifically programed computer system of the communicationsexchange, at least one usage report for at least one of: i) the at leastone first source, ii) the at least one first sender, iii) the at leastone first recipient, and iv) the at least one first channel.

In some embodiments, the plurality of channel rules includes at leasttwo of the following: i) at least one first channel rule identifying atleast one source supported by the at least one first channel, ii) atleast one second channel rule identifying at least one sender supportedby the at least one first channel, iii) at least one third channel ruleidentifying at least one distribution type supported by the at least onefirst channel, iv) at least one fourth channel rule identifying at leastone distribution format supported by the at least one first channel, v)at least one fifth channel rule identifying at least one unassociatedattribute supported by the at least one first channel, and vi) at leastone sixth channel rule identifying at least one unassociated rulesupported by the at least one first channel.

In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for a specificallyprogrammed communications exchange, including at least the followingcomponents: at least one first specialized computer machine, including:a non-transient memory having at least one region for storing particularcomputer executable program code; and at least one processor forexecuting the particular program code stored in the memory, where theparticular program code is configured so that the at least one firstspecialize computer machine is configured to at least perform thefollowing operations: administering an electronic delivery of at leastone first electronic distribution from at least one first sender to atleast one first recipient, by allowing: i) the at least one first senderto send the at least one first electronic distribution to the at leastone first recipient without knowing an electronic address associatedwith the at least one first recipient, and ii) the at least one firstrecipient to set a plurality of recipient attributes and a plurality ofrecipient rules to identify, for the at least one first sender, thecommunications exchange, or both, at least one of the following: 1) whatelectronic distributions the at least one first recipient desires toreceive, 2) where the at least one first recipient desires to receiveelectronic distributions addressed to the at least one first recipient,and 3) how the at least one first recipient desires to receive theelectronic distributions addressed to the at least one first recipient;where the mediating includes: receiving, from at least one first sourceof a plurality of sources, at least one first electronic distribution ofthe at least one first sender, where the at least one first electronicdistribution is addressed to the at least one first recipient; where theat least one first source is a second computer-programmed electronicsystem that the at least one first sender utilizes; where the receivingof the at least one first electronic distribution is in accordance withat least one first electronic exchange protocol defined between thecommunications exchange and the second computer-programmed electronicsystem of the at least one first source; receiving, from the at leastone first sender, a plurality of sender attributes of the at least onefirst sender and a plurality of sender rules of the at least one firstsender that define how electronic distributions of the at least onefirst sender to be delivered; receiving, the plurality of recipientattributes of the at least one first recipient and the plurality ofrecipient rules of the at least one first recipient; matching the atleast one first electronic distribution of at least one first sender tothe at least one first recipient; transmitting the at least one firstelectronic distribution of at least one first sender to at least onefirst channel associated with the at least one first recipient; wherethe matching and transmitting are based at least in part on: i) theplurality of sender attributes of the at least one first sender, ii) theplurality of sender rules of the at least one first sender, iii) theplurality of recipient attributes of the at least one first recipient,and iv) the plurality of recipient rules of the at least one firstrecipient; where the first channel is a third computer-programmedelectronic system that the at least one first recipient utilizes toreceive the electronic distributions addressed to the at least one firstrecipient; where the second computer-programmed electronic system of theat least one first source and the third computer-programmed electronicsystem of the at least one first channel are independent from eachother; and where the transmitting is in accordance with at least onesecond electronic exchange protocol defined between the firstspecifically programed computer system of the communications exchangeand the third computer-programmed electronic system of the at least onechannel.

In some embodiments, an exemplary communication exchange of the instantinvention (also referred here as “Fluent”) enables two connectedentities (e.g., people, companies) to communicate with each otherwithout having prior knowledge in regards to where the communicationsshould be delivered. In some embodiments, the exemplary communicationexchange of instant invention enables a sender and/or a recipient to setinstructions in regards how they would like to communicate. In someembodiments, the instructions can be set generically across a range ofrelationships and/or specifically to manage a single relationship. Insome embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention uses these instructions to determine the proper method ofdistributing the communications.

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention facilitates the distribution of communications without a needto understand the specific content and/or format of the communicationbeing sent. In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange ofinstant invention utilizes a standard markup language to define metadata associated with the communication which will describe who thecommunication is for, who it is from, and an ability for the sender toextend the markup with meta data about the communication. In someembodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instant inventiontreats the communication as an opaque blob (e.g., binary large object)of information and can contain any digital content (e.g., text, media,pictures, etc.) In some embodiments, the exemplary communicationexchange of instant invention allows the recipient and the sender toensure the method they have selected for delivery will enable them toread/process the inbound blob.

Exemplary Instructions

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention enables both an illustrative sender and/or an illustrativerecipient to define instructions in regards to who they would like tocommunicate and where. For example, in some embodiments, recipientswould define, for example but not limited to: the communication channelthey would like to use to receive communications, the types ofcommunications they would like to receive through that channel, and/orwho they would like to receive communications from (e.g., a specificmailer/sender, a specific type of mailer/sender (e.g., an industry)and/or any mailer connected to the network). For example, in someembodiments, an illustrative sender/mailer would also have the abilityto define, for example but not limited to: which recipient channels theywould like to support (e.g., a specific channel, a type of channel, orany channel).

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention captures instructions, receives a communication to distribute,determines the appropriate communications channel based upon, but notlimited to, the instructions that have been set by the sender and/or therecipient. In some embodiments, the sender does not need to know thisinformation prior to distributing the content: the exemplarycommunication exchange of instant invention exchange determines how todeliver the communication for them. In some embodiments, the recipientscan change their instructions at any point and as a result thecommunications will be distributed as long as the destination issupported by the sender.

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention have an ability to identify new relationships. For example, arecipient can define a series of instructions about where they wouldlike to receive communications and from whom on a generic level. When anew sender joins the network and/or a recipient creates a relationshipwith a new sender, in some embodiments, the exemplary communicationexchange of instant invention will automatically identify those newrelationships and alert both the sender and the recipient thatcommunications can now commence.

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention captures any required legal consent from the recipientensuring that the communications can be delivered per sender andrecipient instructions.

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention enables/consumers to set their delivery instructions fornumerous corporate communication types from numerous brands (e.g.,various companies) in one place. In some embodiments, the exemplarycommunication exchange of instant invention enables to set deliveryinstructions from numerous digital channels and/or other systems.

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention provides for a basic consent process to approve thecommunications to be distributed electronically with a method to addcustomized consent language to the process as per each brand'srequirements. In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchangeof instant invention enables suppression of print for regulatorycommunications. In some embodiments, the exemplary communicationexchange of instant invention allows delivery instructions to be made toall communications found for the consumer or the consumer can bespecific with each communication from each brand to assign adistribution method.

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention can execute a discovery process that facilitates a consumer“finding” the brands they currently receive communication from andchoosing them for a new preferred method of distribution. In someembodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instant inventioncan provide a widget to enable digital channels to use to capturedelivery instructions. In some embodiments, the exemplary communicationexchange of instant invention allows the brands to set deliveryinstructions for distribution of their communications and/or consumerscan set their preferences on the method they would like to use toreceive those communications. In some embodiments, the exemplarycommunication exchange of instant invention provides analytics toparticipating brands on adoption/penetration of electronic delivery ofcommunications. In some embodiments, the exemplary communicationexchange of instant invention is flexible to enable deliveryinstructions data to be stored and accessed solely in the exchange for acompany or stored in the exchange and interfaced back to the company. Insome embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention offers an identity verification process. In some embodiments,the exemplary communication exchange of instant invention provides abasic verification and/or a step-up verification as might be required byspecific brands.

In some embodiments, the terms “Brand(s)”/“brand(s)” are directed tocorporate entities that distribute communications to consumers. In someembodiments, the terms “Communication(s)”/“communication(s)” aredirected to include, but not limited to, account/financial statements,proxies, trade confirms, bills, prospectus, tax related documents,advertisements, etc.

In some embodiments, the terms “Consent(s)”/“consent(s)” are directed toforms that recipients (e.g., consumers) must consent to have theircommunications distributed using methods other than a physical documentsent via the country postal service. In some embodiments, consents maybe generic or may be specific to the brand.

In some embodiments, the terms “Digital Channel(s)”/“digital channel(s)”are directed to any entity that is a recipient (e.g., consumer) facingthat can accept a digital communication. For example, the terms “DigitalChannel(s)”/“digital channel” include at least: digital mail vendors(e.g., Doxo, Manilla, etc.), consumer storage applications (e.g.Dropbox, Amazon Cloud, Evernote) and/or other channels.

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention can include the exchange itself, a Preference ExchangeApp/Widget, and/or an Analytics Engine.

FIG. 25 illustrates the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, anexemplary process begins with a company signing up for the exemplarycommunication exchange of instant invention (e.g., Fluent). In someembodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instant inventionautomatically gathers information about the company that includes, butis not limited to:

-   -   Name    -   Address    -   Logos    -   What communications they want to gather distribution preferences        on    -   Consent Language their attorneys have approved for changing a        preference from the default (print/country mail) to a digital        form    -   Company verification standards    -   Company approval of digital channel vendors.

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention stores the company information in one or more CompanyInformation databases and can update on periodical basis. In someembodiments, the company electronically submits the company information(e.g., historical communication(s), rules, customer profiles, etc.) sothat the exemplary communication exchange of instant invention cancreate an identity mapping between its consumers and consumers of theexchange. In some embodiments, this could be consumers name and address,for example. In some embodiments, the company can also set up aninterface of delivery instructions that the exemplary communicationexchange of instant invention can gather for its consumers and store ina Consumer Preferences Database. In some embodiments, utilizing theexemplary communication exchange of instant invention, the company mayalso set up an interface to receive delivery instructions from theConsumer Preferences Database that pertain to it that were received viachannels or other companies. In some embodiments, as the companydistributes communications through the exemplary communication exchangeof instant invention (e.g., Fluent), the preference information can beused to properly distribute the communications as per the consumer'sdesires.

As shown in FIG. 26, in some embodiments, when a Consumer signs up witha digital channel that is part of the exemplary communication exchangeof instant invention, the channel will interface with the PreferenceExchange Widget to establish the consumer's preference(s). In someembodiments, a Consumer can also access the exemplary communicationexchange of instant invention from other systems, which can include:

ProxyVote.com,

Brand web sites,

Mutual Funds web sites,

Brokerage web sites,

Corporate Facebook pages, and

etc.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 26, the Preference Exchange Widgetof the exemplary communication exchange of instant invention insuresthat the consumer's identity has been verified to the exchangesstandards. If not, an identity verification process can take place withanother source such as, but not limited to, IDW AXN—Trusted IdentityNetwork.

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention gathers the Consumer's information and sent to the AXN forverification with various identity/attribute providers. In someembodiments, after the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention test the attributes, returning the results of the tests(pass/fail) to the Widget. If the results meet standards, the consumerwill be registered with the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention. Once the consumer is identified, an identity mapping will becreated between the new consumers and consumers that exist in the FluentCore Historical Database.

In some embodiments, the consumer can then chose their preference forthe brand/communication type they initiated with the digital channel.They can also identify other communication types and other brands theywish to set preferences for. This is accomplished after the Widgetperforms a search through the Fluent Core Historical Database to seewhat other brands are distributing communications to the consumer. ThePreference exemplary communication exchange of instant inventionidentifies consumers across different brands.

In some embodiments, for each brand and communication type, theexemplary communication exchange of instant invention will identify ifadditional identity verifications (step-ups) are needed for thebrand/communication. If additional verifications are needed, theexemplary communication exchange of instant invention will interfacewith the AXN to obtain these verifications.

When establishing distribution methods for various communication typesand various brands, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention will decide what consent language is needed to be “signed” forapproval to have the communication distributed to the channel theconsumer desires.

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention records the preferences in the Fluent Preference Database andestablishes the Delivery Points for the various communications inFluent.

In some embodiments, if the Consumer is in another system that is partof the exemplary communication exchange of instant invention (e.g.,ProxyVote.com), there will be a button on the application enabling theconsumer to set preferences for any brand/communication type

In some embodiments, the process can be the same as the one above fordigital channel access, except it will automatically search forbrands/communications as the first step

In some embodiments, after the consumer is registered with the exemplarycommunication exchange of instant invention, they will be provided withaccess that will enable them to set preferences directly with theexemplary communication exchange of instant invention.

As shown in FIG. 27, information is continuously updated and added toexemplary communication exchange of instant invention, such as, but notlimited to:

Company information

Consumer Preference Information by Brand (company), Communication Type,and/or

Historical Communication Distribution Information.

In some embodiments, using this information, the exemplary communicationexchange of instant invention can, but not limited to:

Combine the various information and stage it for Reporting

Identify a Reporting tool to use on the Data

Produce Standard Reports on a regular basis

Develop Standard Reports that can be run as needed

Develop Ad Hoc Reports when requested.

In some embodiments, these reports are automatically generated andelectronically displayed by preprogrammed graphical user interface. Insome embodiments, it is continuously being updated and will grow as morecompanies and consumers use the exemplary communication exchange ofinstant invention. In some embodiments, the brands must accept theidentity verification processes as valid to allow the consumer to setthe preferences and have them binding in the case of regulatoryrequirements.

FIGS. 28-37 are screenshots, illustrating and exemplary dynamicpreference management and authentication process in accordance with someembodiments of the instant invention. In some embodiments, the exemplarycommunication exchange of instant invention uses a dynamic nature of thewidget to allow the Brands, Channels and Consumers to set theirpreferences (instructions for distribution of communications), discoverbrands that are communicating with them, and have their identityverified according to the standards set by the brand distributing thecommunications. In some embodiments, the exemplary communicationexchange of instant invention programmed with the ability to dynamicallyset the widget to accommodate the brand's requirements such as, but notlimited to:

Terms and Conditions

Consent Language

Look & Feel

Attributes used to verify identity.

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention can utilize a process flow for performing preference settingof brands and/or document types to distribute to variouschannels—multiple channels and multiple documents and/or single channeland all documents.

FIGS. 28-37 illustrate that the Widget's dynamic screens are programedto display specific graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to dynamicallyprovide and receive information from the GUIs. In some embodiments, thespecific GUIs of FIGS. 28-37 are a combination of automatic buildingscreens from data of the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention (e.g., Fluent) and building screens from on-line real-timeinterviews with the brands and/or channels to identify furthercustomizations.

As FIGS. 28-37 shows that the specific GUIs of the instant invention canbe dynamically configured. For example, the left side bar allowsordering of screens. For example, the right side bar allows changes toscreens from look & feel to content. For example, all changes take placeimmediately and enable non-programmers (e.g., customer servicerepresentatives) to work with the Brands/Channels and dynamically buildthe widget that they will use to have their consumers communicate withthe exemplary communication exchange of instant invention. For example,the right bar allows the user to change language, fields, columnsettings, and colors.

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention, the specific GUIs dynamically conforms to be used on PCs,tablets, and smartphones based, at least in part, from a handshakeprotocol that identifies the user's device based on one or more devicecharacteristics.

Illustrative Examples of Alerts and Notifications in Accordance withSome Embodiments of the Instant Invention

Table 1 below illustrates exemplary characteristics of computer function“Get envelope status” to identify the status of delivery.

Table 2 below illustrates exemplary characteristics of computer function“Put envelope status” to identify the status of electronic transmission.

TABLE 1 GET Envelope Status Description Get a Specific envelope statusRequests Request Syntax GET /v81/envelope/{envelopeId}/status HTTP/1.1Request Headers In some embodiments, this method requires the standardheaders. Request Elements Element Description Type Required envelopeIdThe identification of the specific envelope String Yes ResponsesResponse Headers In some embodiments, this method only returns thestandard headers. See “Common Response Headers” below. Response ElementsElement description Type Required status Current Status for the envelop:“New”, “Delivered”, String Yes “Received”, “Opened”, “Failed”, “Deleted”Examples Sample Request GET /v81/envelope/EV:300000/status SampleResponse HTTP/1.x 200 OK { “status”:“Opened” } Common Request HeadersThe REST method invocation all use common HTTP headers to qualify therequest. Below are the common HTTP headers for the Channel API: ElementDescription Sample Required Host Target server broadridge.com Yesuat-flu.broadridge.com Date Requestors UTC Wed, 01 Mar 2xxx 12:00:00 GMTYes time Accept The content type the application/json No caller willaccept application/pdf application/jpg Authorization Authentication*&{circumflex over ( )}DG15436&&&& Yes header containing an encryptedversion of the channelId Content-Length Length of the body 127 No minusthe headers Content-Type The content type of application/json No theresponse body application/pdf application/jpg

TABLE 2 PUT Envelope Status Description Update a Specific envelopestatus Requests Request Syntax PUT v81/envelope/{envelopeId}/statusHTTP/1.1 Request Headers In some embodiments, this method requires thestandard Fluent headers. See “Common Request Headers” above. RequestElements Element Description Type Required envelopeId The identificationof the specific String Yes envelope status Current Status for theenvelope. Only String Yes valid values are: “Received”, “Opened”,“Failed”, “Deleted” Responses Response Headers In some embodiments, thismethod only returns the standard Fluent headers. See “Common ResponseHeaders” above. Response Elements In some embodiments, there are noresponse elements for this method. Examples Sample Request PUT/v81/envelope/en12345678910/status { “status”: “Opened” } SampleResponse HTTP/1.x 200 OK

Table 3 below illustrates exemplary characteristics of computer function“Get Envelopes” to obtain a list of envelopes.

TABLE 3 GET Envelopes Requests Request Syntax GET/v81/mailbox/{mailboxId}/envelope HTTP/1.1 or GET/v81/ccid/{ccId}/mailbox/envelope or GET/v81/channel/{channelId}/channelconsumer/{channelSpecificConsumerId}/mailbox/envelopeTo filter on Mail Type GET/v81/mailbox/{mailboxId}/envelope/?mailType=mailType To filter onEnvelope Status GET /v81/mailbox/{mailboxId}/envelope/?status=Status Tofilter by date range GET/v81/mailbox/{mailboxId}/envelope/?dateType&from=fromDate&to=toDate Toget pages of Envelopes GET/v81/mailbox/{mailboxId}/envelope/?startPage=startPage&pageSize=pageSizeRequest Headers In some embodiments, this method requires the standardFluent headers. See “Common Request Headers” above. Request ElementsElement Description Type Required mailboxId The ID of a given MailboxString Yes (if ccId or Channel Specific ID not used) channelId FluentIdentifier for the String Yes (if ccId or mailboxId Channel not used)channelSpecificConsumerId Channel Specific Consumer String Yes (if ccIdor mailboxId ID not used) ccId Fluent Identifier for the String Yes (ifChannel Consumer channelSpecificConsumerId or mailboxId is not used)mailType The internal mail type, String No “Bill”, “Statement”, “Notice”status Current Status for the String No envelop: “New”, “Delivered”,“Received”, “Opened”, “Failed”, “Deleted” dateType “asOfDate”, String No“ingestionDate”, “deliveredDate”, “receivedDate”, “failedDate”,“openDate”, “deletedDate” or “lastModifiedOn” fromDate Start Date StringNo toDate End Date String No startPage Page number of Envelopes StringNo pageSize Number of Envelopes per String No page Responses ResponseHeaders In some embodiments, this method only returns the standardFluent headers. See “Common Response Headers” above. Response ElementsElement Description Type Required envelopeId The identification of thespecific envelope String Yes brandId The Sender Brand's ID String YesbrandConnectionId Brand Connection used to address the String Yesenvelope envelopeName Display Name for the Envelope String YescontentType Content Type set by the sending Brand String No mailType Theinternal mail type, “Bill”, “Statement”, String Yes “Notice” billData Ifthe Mail type is “Bill”, container for bill Container Yes, ifinformation “Bill” mailType amountDue Amount due for Bill Mail typeString Yes, if “Bill” mailType dueDate Date when Bill is due String Yes,if “Bill” mailType statementData If the mailType is “Statement”,container Container Yes, if for additional information “Statement”mailType statementAmount Statement amount String Yes, if “Statement”mailType envelopeDocuments Array of document ID of documents in ArrayYes envelop printSuppressed Indicates if this envelope suppressedprint - String Yes Yes/No historicalMail Indicates if this is historicalcontent - String Yes Yes/No status Current Status for the envelop:“New”, String Yes “Delivered”, “Received”, “Opened”, “Failed”, “Deleted”asOfDate Mail date set by the sender String No ingestionDate Date whenmail was ingested by platform String Yes deliveredDate Date when mailwas sent to channel String Yes - if status “Delivered”, “Received”,“Opened”, “Failed” or “Deleted” receivedDate Date when Channel confirmeddelivery String Yes - if status “Received”, “Opened” or “Deleted”failedDate Date when Channel indicated delivery String Yes - if failurestatus “Failed” openDate Date when Channel indicated open String Yes -if status “Opened” deletedDate Date when the Chanel indicated deletionString Yes - if status “Deleted” lastModifiedOn Last change to envelopeString Yes

Illustrative Example of Computer Code of the Functions “Get Envelops”:

Sample Request GET/v81/mailbox/MB:4801759557/envelopes?asOfDate&from=2013-11-15T14:01:43.013&to=2013-11-15T14:01:43.013 Sample Response Body HTTP/1.x200 OK Content-Type: application/json; {  “envelopes”: [   {   “statementData”: {     “statementAmount”: “$129.68”    },   “envelopeDocuments”: [     {      “documentId”: “DC:0000001”     }   ],    “asOfDate”: “2014-02-2012:10:20.856”,    “ingestionDate”:“2014-02-2012:10:20.856”,    “deliveredDate”: “”,    “receivedDate”: “”,   “failedDate”: “”,    “openDate”: “”,    “deletedDate”: “”,   “contentType”: “Statement”,    “historicalMail”: null,    “mailType”:“Statement”,    “brandId”: “BB:0000000122”,    “envelopeName”: “JanuaryStatement”,    “printSuppressed”: “Yes”,    “envelopeStatus”: “New”,   “envelopeId”: “EV:300000”,    “lastModifiedOn”: “2014-02-2012:10:20.856”,    “brandConnectionId”: “CBR:100”   },   {    “billData”:{     “amountDue”: “110.10”,     “dueDate”: “2014-02-2012:10:20.856”   },    “envelopeDocuments”: [     {      “documentId”: “DC:0000001”    }    ],    “asOfDate”: “2014-02-2012:10:20.856”,    “ingestionDate”:“2014-02-2012:10:20.856”,    “deliveredDate”: “”,    “receivedDate”: “”,   “failedDate”: “”,    “openDate”: “”,    “deletedDate”: “”,   “contentType”: “Bill”,    “historicalMail”: null,    “mailType”:“Bill”,    “brandId”: “BB:0000000122”,    “envelopeName”: “JanuaryUtility Bill ”,    “printSuppressed”: “Yes”,    “envelopeStatus”: “New”,   “envelopeId”: “EV:300000”,    “lastModifiedOn”: “2014-02-2012:10:20.856”,    “brandConnectionId”: “CBR:100”   }  ] }

Illustrative Examples of Operations on Consumer Alerts in Accordancewith Some Embodiments of the Instant Invention

In some embodiments, the inventive communication exchange of the instantinvention is specifically programed to generate consumer alerts. In someembodiments, alerts are administrative messages for consumers from theinventive communication exchange, channels and/or brands that maycontain informational messages about the system and/or an action thatrequires a consumer response. In some embodiments, by default, alertsare delivered to the consumer's Mailbox; they can also be deliveredasynchronously to a channel using an Event Notification Subscription.Table 4 provides illustrative examples of formats and types of alerts.

TABLE 4 Format The JSON representation of a complete “alert” is: {“alert”: { “alertId”: alertId “channelId”: channelId,“channelSpecificConsumerId”: channelSpecificConsumerId, “ccId”: ccId,“alertSender”: alertSenderId, “alertType”: alertType, “alertTypeData” :{...} “alertStatus”: status “alertTimeStamp”: alertDateAndTime“lastModifiedOn”: lastModifiedOnDateAndTime } Alert Types Alert Typesinclude: Alert Type Description Alert Type DatachannelConsumerCreatedAlert Welcome Alert for new Channel ID ChannelConsumers delivery InstructionsUpdatedAlert Confirmation that DeliveryDelivery Instructions Instructions have been updateddeliveryPointsUpdatedAlert Confirmation that Delivery Delivery Point IDPoints have been updated brandConnectionsUpdatedAlert Confirmation thatBrand Brand Connection ID Connections have been Previous Value, NewValue updated brandConnectionInvitationAlert Invitation from a Brand toa Brand ID consumer to add a new Brand ConnectionchannelConsumerDeletedAlert Confirmation to a consumer Channel ID thattheir access via another channel has been removed Alert Identifiers Insome embodiments, alerts are associated with: - A Consumer - A MailboxIn some embodiments, they also have their own globally uniqueidentifier. Therefore, all URLs of the form:/channel/{channelId}/channelconsumer/{channelSpecificConsumerId}/mailbox/alert/{alertId}can be replaced with an equivalent: /alert/{alertId} In someembodiments, all the alerts for a consumer can be retrieved using thefollowing equivalent URL:/channel/{channelId}/channelconsumer/{channelSpecificConsumerId}/mailbox/alert/ccid/{ccId}/mailbox/alert All alerts are channel-independent. AlertStatus In some embodiments, an Alert can have the following statusvalues: Alert Status values Status Description Sent Alert has beengenerated Received Alert has been marked received by the channel ReadAlert has been marked read by the channel Deleted Alert has been markeddeleted by the channel

Table 5 provides an illustrative example of software parameters for acomputer function to get data for an alert based on its identifier.

TABLE 5 Requests Request Syntax GET /v81/alert/{alertId} HTTP/1.1Request Headers In some embodiments, this method requires the standardFluent headers. See “Common Request Headers” above. Request ElementsElement Description Type Required alertId The specific ID of an alertString Yes Responses Response Headers In some embodiments, this methodonly returns the standard Fluent headers. See “Common Response Headers”above. Response Elements Element Description Type Required alertId Thespecific ID of an alert String Yes channelId Fluent Identifier for theChannel String Yes channelSpecificConsumerId Identity used by thechannel internally to String Yes refer uniquely to the consumer ccIdFluent created Identifier for the Channel String Yes ConsumeralertSender The initiator of the alert - could be a String Yes brand orthe platform Response Elements Element Description Type RequireddocDataValue Value for a Document specific data item String No (will bereturned but may be empty) Sample Request GET/v81/envelope/EV:300000/document/DC:0000001/documentDate HTTP/1.1 SampleResponse HTTP/1.x 200 OK { “documentDate”: “2013-11-15 14:01:43.01” }

Table 6 provides an illustrative example of software parameters for acomputer function to get document's Payment status in accordance to someembodiments.

TABLE 6 Requests Request Syntax GET/v81/envelope/{envelopeId}/document/{documentId}/status HTTP/1.1 In someembodiments, this method requires the standard Fluent headers. RequestElements Element Description Type Required envelopeId The identificationof the specific envelope String Yes documentId Id for the document inthe envelope String Yes Responses Response Headers In some embodiments,this method requires the “Common Request Headers” Response ElementsDescription Type Required envelopeId The Envelope ID String YesdocumentId Id for the document in the envelope String Yes statusNotPaid, ScheduledPayment, Paid, Container Yes PaymentFailed SampleRequest GET /v81/envelope/EV:300000/document/DC:0000001/status HTTP/1.1Sample Response HTTP/1.x 200 OK { “envelopeId”: “EV:300000”,“documentId”: “DC:0000001”, “status”: “Paid” }

Table 7 provides an illustrative example of software parameters for acomputer function to get document's update Payment status in accordanceto some embodiments.

TABLE 7 Requests Request Syntax PUT/v81/envelope/{envelopeId}/document/{documentId}/status HTTP/1.1 RequestHeaders In some embodiments, this method requires the “Common RequestHeaders” Request Elements Element Description Type Required envelopeIdThe identification of the specific envelope String Yes documentId Id forthe document in the envelope String Yes status NotPaid,ScheduledPayment, Paid, Container Yes PaymentFailed Responses ResponseHeaders In some embodiments, this method requires “Common ResponseHeaders” above. Response Elements Element Description Type Requiredstatus Echo status back if request is successful String Yes SampleRequest PUT /v81/envelope/EV:300000/document/DC:0000001/status HTTP/1.1{ “status”:“Paid” } Sample Response HTTP/1.x 200 OK { “status”:“Paid” }

Table 8 provides an illustrative example of software parameters for acomputer function to get document's activity for a given document inaccordance to some embodiments.

TABLE 8 Document Activity In some embodiments, the channel can requestthe following activities about a document Activity Type DescriptionDetail Data Created Creation of the document ccStatus, lastModifiedOnStatusUpdated Change in status of document ccStatus lastModifiedOnDataUpdated Change in document data dataName, previousValue, newValueDeleted Deletion of the document ccStatus lastModifiedOn RequestsRequest Syntax GET/v81/envelope/{envelopeId}/document/{documentId}/activity HTTP/1.1Request Headers In some embodiments, this method requires the standardFluent headers. See “Common Request Headers” above. Request ElementsElement Description Type Required envelopeId The identification of thespecific envelope String Yes documentId Id for the document in theenvelope String Yes activityType Created, DataUpdated, StatusUpdated,String Optional Deleted from timeStamp from filter “2013-11-15 StringOptional 14:01:43.01” to timeStamp from filter “2013-11-15 StringOptional 14:01:43.01” pageStart Index start String Optional pageMaxTotal returned String Optional Responses Response Headers This methodrequires “Common Request Headers” above. Response Elements ElementDescription Type Required activities An array of activities for a ArrayYes document activity An activity for a document Container Yes id Uniqueidentifier for the activity String Yes type The type of activity. Validactivities String Yes for a document include: Created, DataUpdated,StatusUpdated, Deleted source Source which initiated the activity.String Yes timeStamp The time stamp when the activity String Yesoccurred details Array of details for an activity Array Yes dataNameName of the attribute that has String Yes changed previousValue Thevalue of the changed attribute, String No prior to the activity newValueThe value of the changed attribute, String No after the activitydocumentId The unique document identifier String Yes envelopeId Theunique envelope identifier String Yes documentStatus The documentstatus - NotPaid, String Yes ScheduledPayment, Paid, or PaymentFailedlastModifiedOn The last modified timestamp String Yes

Illustrative Examples of Computer Code to Obtain Document's ActivityData:

  Sample Request GET/v81/envelope/EV:300000/document/DC:0000001/activity Sample ResponseHTTP/1.x 200 OK Content-Type: application/json; {  “activities”: [   {   “activity”: {     “id”: “743986431985684”,     “type”: “Created”,    “source”: “brand/BB:0000000100”,     “timeStamp”: “2014-03-0321:10:00.915”,     “details”: [      {       “documentId”: “DC:0000001”,      “envelopeId”: “EV:300000”,       “documentStatus”: “NotPaid”,      “lastModifiedOn”: “2014-03-03 21:10:00.915”      }     ]    }   },  {    “activity”: {     “id”: “743986431985684”,     “type”:“StatusUpdated ”,     “source”: “channel/CP:0000000100”,    “timeStamp”: “2014-03-03 17:10:00.915”,     “details”: [      {      “documentStatus”: “Paid”,       “lastModifiedOn”: “2014-03-0321:10:00.915”      }     ]    }   },   {    “activity”: {     “id”:“743986431985685”,     “type”: “DataUpdated”,     “source”:“channel/CP:0000000100”,     “timeStamp”: “2014-11-14 17:10:00.915”,    “details”: [      {       “dataName”: “documentDate”,      “previousValue”: “”,       “newValue”: “2013-11-15 14:01:43.01”     }     ]    }   }  ] }

Illustrative Examples of Operations on Event Notifications in Accordancewith Some Embodiments of the Instant Invention

In some embodiments, Event Notification Subscription is used forchannels to subscribe to events of interest on the Channel NotificationQueue. Channels can choose to subscribe to receive events of interestfrom the platform. In some embodiments, Events notifications will besent asynchronously to the channel. The Notification can be delivered inat least two different methods:

-   -   HTTP POST, and    -   Notification Queue.

In some embodiments, The Notification Queue is responsible for theguaranteed delivery of events to channels.

Event Format Example

The JSON representation of a complete “Event Notification” is:

  { “eventNotification”: { “eventId”: eventId, “subscriptionId”:subscriptionId, “subscriberId”: subscriberId,       “event”: {“eventType” : eventType,          eventTypeData: {...} }      “deliveryMethod” : deliveryMethod, “eventTimeStamp”:EventDateAndTime }

Table 9 provides illustrative examples of event types.

TABLE 9 Event Type Description Event Type Data SubscriptionCreatedEventTest event used to validate none delivery channel. Failure to deliverwill result in the subscription being deactivated. BrandCreatedEvent Newbrand has been added Brand Id BrandUpdatedEvent Changes to the BrandProfile Brand Id, previous value, new value AlertCreatedEvent A ConsumerAlert has been channelSpecificConsumerId, ccId, created alertId,alertType EnvelopeCreatedEvent A Consumer Envelope has beenchannelSpecificConsumerId, ccId, created Brand Id, Envelope Id,mailType, contentType SystemEvent An event from the platform to allMessage Type, System Message Channels

Exemplary Computer Code for Subscription Created Event NotificationFormat:

  { “eventNotification”: { “eventId”: eventId, “subscriptionId”:subscriptionId, “subscriberId”: subscriberId,       “event”: {“eventType” : “SubscriptionCreated”,       }       “deliveryMethod” :deliveryMethod, “eventTimeStamp”: eventDateAndTime }

Exemplary Computer Code for Brand Created Event Notification Format:

  { “eventNotification”: { “eventId”: eventId, “subscriptionId”:subscriptionId, “subscriberId”: subscriberId,       “event”: {“eventType” : “BrandCreatedEvent”, “brandCreatedData” : {            “brandId”: brandId          }       }       “deliveryMethod”: deliveryMethod, “eventTimeStamp”: eventDateAndTime }

Exemplary Computer Code for Brand Updated Event Notification Format:

  { “eventNotification”: { “eventId”: eventId, “subscriptionId”:subscriptionId, “subscriberId”: subscriberId,       “event”: {“eventType” : “BrandUpdatedEvent”,          “brandUpdatedData”: {             “brandId”: brandId,             “previousValue” : {               “brandProfileDataName”: BrandProfileDataName,               “brandProfileDataValue”: OldBrandProfileDataValue, },            “newValue” : {                “brandProfileDataName”:BrandProfileDataName,                “brandProfileDataValue”:NewBrandProfileDataValue,                }             } } }      “deliveryMethod” : deliveryMethod, “eventTimeStamp”:eventDateAndTime }

Exemplary Computer Code for Alert Created Event Notification Format:

  {  “eventNotification”: {   “eventId”: eventId,   “subscriptionId”:subscriptionId,   “subscriberId”: subscriberId,   “event”: {   “eventType”: “AlertCreatedEvent”,    “alertCreatedData”: {    “channelSpecificConsumerId”:channelSpecificConsumerId,     “ccId”:fluentConsumerId,     “alertId”: alertId,     “alertType”: alertType   } },  “deliveryMethod”:deliveryMethod,  “eventTimestamp”: eventTimestamp} }

Exemplary Computer Code for Envelope Created Event Notification Format:

  {  “eventNotification”: {   “eventId”: eventId,   “subscriptionId”:subscriptionId,   “subscriberId”: subscriberId,   “event”: {   “eventType”: “EnvelopeCreatedEvent”,    “envelopeCreatedData”: {    “channelSpecificConsumerId”: channelSpecificConsumerId,     “ccId”:fluentConsumerId,     “brandId”: brandId,     “envelopeId”: envelopeId,    “mailType”: mailType,     “contentType”: contentType    }   },  “deliveryMethod”: deliveryMethod,   “eventTimeStamp”: eventDateAndTime  } }

Exemplary Computer Code for Subscription Format as JSON Representationof a Complete “Notification Subscription”:

  { “notificationSubscription”: { “subscriptionId”: subscriptionId,“subscriberId”: subscriberId,       “eventTypes” : [eventTypes],      “deliveryMethod” : deliveryMethod,       “webHook”: {         “URL” : url       },       “MQ” : {         ChannelId.CHANNEL.NOTIFY       },    “subscriptionStatus”:ccStatus, “lastModifiedOn”: LastModifiedDateAndTime }

Exemplary Notification Subscription Identifiers

In some embodiments, each notification Subscription is identified by aunique “Subscription Id”. In some embodiments, each NotificationSubscription is associated with one Subscriber, such as a Channel. Insome embodiments, a subscription can be for a single event type or forseveral event types.

In some embodiments, a subscription Id will be returned upon successfulcreation of the channel subscription. Changes or deletes to subscriptionwill require this subscription Id.

In some embodiments, All URLs of the form:

/channel/{channelId}/subscription/subscriptionId

can be replaced with an equivalent:

/subscription/subscriptionId.

Notification Subscription Status

In some embodiments, Table 10 identifies exemplary status values for theChannel Notification Subscription.

TABLE 10 Status Description Active The subscription is available andactive Pending Waiting on successful sending of test event Inactive Thesubscription has been deactivated by the subscriber, or because of anotification failure Deleted The subscribed has deleted thissubscription

Exemplary Test Event Process

In some embodiments, the sequence begins when a channel requests asubscription for a series of Events. Below is the exemplary computercode for a case where a channel “CP:0000000100” is requesting aweb-based call-back to “http://fluentevents.mychannel.com” when any ofthree events are detected: “BrandCreatedEvent”, “BrandUpdatedEvent”, or“EnvelopeCreatedEvent”:

  POST /v81/channel/CP:0000000100/subscription    HTTP/1.1 { “notificationSubscription”: {   “eventTypes”: [    “BrandCreatedEvent”,   “BrandUpdatedEvent”,    “EnvelopeCreatedEvent”   ],  “deliveryMethod”: “WebHook”,   “webHook”: {    “URL”:“http://fluentevents.mychannel.com”   }  } }

The system will respond to the POST with a HTTP 200 OK and the followingbody:

  {  “notificationSubscription”: {   “subscriptionId”: “EVS:20000”,  “subscriptionStatus”: “Pending”,   “lastModifiedOn”: “2014-02-2116:14:50.113”  } }

This indicates that a subscription with Id “EVS:20000” has been created,but the delivery method has not been verified yet (“subscriptionStatus”:“Pending”). To confirm the delivery method, the system may send a testevent to the specified delivery method. In this case, the system willinitiate an HTTP POST to the specified URL, since a webHook deliverymethod has been requested. (In the case of a MQ delivery method, thetest event would be sent to the specified queue):

  POST fluentevents.mychannel.com     HTTP/1.1 { “eventNotification”: {“eventId”: “EID:20000-001”, “subscriptionId”: “EVS:20000”,“subscriberId”: “ChannelId:CP:0000000100”,       “event”: { “eventType”: “SubscriptionCreatedEvent”,          eventTypeData: { } }      “deliveryMethod” : “WebHook”, “eventTimeStamp”: “2014-02-2116:15:10.213” }

If the platform received an HTTP 200 OK from “events.mychannel.com”, theplatform may mark this subscription's status as “Active”. Otherwise, thesubscription status will be “Inactive”. This can be checked by thechannel using, for example, computer code:

  GET /v81/subscription/EVS:20000    HTTP/1.1 Response { “notificationSubscription”: {   “subscriptionId”: “EVS:20000”,  “subscriberId”: “ChannelId:CP:0000000100”,   “eventTypes”: [   “BrandCreatedEvent”,    “BrandUpdatedEvent”,   “EnvelopeCreatedEvent”   ],  },  “deliveryMethod”: “WebHook”, “webHook”: {   “URL”: “HTTP:// events.mychannel.com”  }, “subscriptionStatus”: “Active”,  “lastModifiedOn”: “2014-02-2012:10:20.856” }

In some embodiments, if the delivery method needs to be retried, a newsubscription request has to be POSTed.

Exemplary Notification Subscription Activity

In some embodiments, Table 11 provides examples of activities that achannel can request about a Channel Consumer.

TABLE 11 Activity Type Description Activity Data Created Creation of theSubscription Activity Date, Source UpdatedStatus Change in SubscriptionActivity Date, Source, Status previous value, new value UpdatedDataChange in Subscription Activity Date, Source, details previous value,new value EventSent Event sent to subscriber Activity Date, Source,based on subscription Result Deleted Deletion of the subscriptionActivity Date, Source

Illustrative Examples of Address Standardization in Accordance with SomeEmbodiments of the Instant Invention

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instantinvention (e.g., Fluent) utilizes the standardization of addressinformation submitted on the input data feed. In some embodiments, thename and address information stored in an exemplary database has beenscrubbed and standardized using a software application such as a CASSCertified™ application that prepares addresses for United States PostalService® (USPS®) handling (e.g., the software verifies, standardizes andcorrects address elements, and appends postal codes). In someembodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of instant inventionoutputs a value from the address standardization process that is the DPV(Delivery Point value).

Exemplary Data Feed Creation

In some embodiments, the requirements of the interface file that isprocessed for address scrubbing and standardization. In someembodiments, data must be populated into this format.

Table 12 presents exemplary data mapping rules to be applied.

Exemplary Input Interface File Layout

TABLE 12 Column Name Starting Ending Andover Field Input to FinalistLength Position Position Name CONTROL-NUMBER 10 1 10 JOB-NUMBER 6 12 17RECORD-DATE 6 19 24 CUSIP 9 26 34 IFS-TAX-ID CLIENT-NO 3 36 38CUST-ACCT-NO 19 40 58 IFS-POLICY- NUMBER SERVICE 2 60 61 DOCUMENT_ID 463 66 ZIP-CODE 5 68 72 ORIG-ADDR-LINE-COUNT 1 74 74 OBO-NOBO-TAG 1 76 76ORIG-ADDR-LINE(1) 36 78 113 FIRST_NAME LAST_NAME ORIG-ADDR-LINE(2) 36115 150 ADDRESS-LINE-1 ORIG-ADDR-LINE(3) 36 152 187 ADDRESS-LINE-2ORIG-ADDR-LINE(4) 36 189 224 ADDRESS-LINE-3 ORIG-ADDR-LINE(5) 36 226 261ADDRESS-LINE-4 ORIG-ADDR-LINE(6) 36 263 298 ADDRESS-LINE-5ORIG-ADDR-LINE(7) 36/37 300 335 CITY STATE ZIP SEQUENCE -NO 3 338 340FINALIST-ADDR-LINE(1) 36 342 377 FINALIST-ADDR-LINE(2) 36 379 414FINALIST-ADDR-LINE(3) 36 416 451 FINALIST-ADDR-LINE(4) 36 453 488FINALIST-ADDR-LINE(5) 36 490 525 FINALIST-ADDR-LINE(6) 36 527 562FINALIST-ADDR-LINE(7) 36/37 564 600 FINALIST-CITY 25 602 626FINALIST-STATE-CODE 2 628 629 FINALIST-ZIP4-CODE 4 631 634FINALIST-ZIPCODE 5 636 640 FINALIST-ZIPA-PLUS2-CODE 11 642 652FINALIST-ZIP4-PLUS2-CKDIG 1 654 654 FINALIST-ZIPB-PLUS2-CODE 5 656 660FINALIST-ZIP-PLUS2-CKDIG 1 662 662 COUNTRY-NAME 664 ??? Email-Address??? ??? Notes: 1. Each field separated by Pipe (|) 2. Place the name inORIG-ADDR-LINE(1) 3. Address goes in ORIG-ADDR-LINE(2) through (7),using as many lines as necessary 4. City, State, and Zip occupy the lastused address line

Exemplary Standardization Process

In some embodiments, the exemplary communication exchange of the instantinvention performs at least the following, but not limited to:

1) Automatically initiate processing

2) Run a communications exchange customer file through the addressstandardization routines, creating an output file with DPV's andstandardized addresses;

3) Electronically Transmit the output file to the Fluent by dropping itinto a designated folder and triggering the appropriate Fluent ingestionprocess.

Exemplary Output File Processing

Exemplary Output Interface File Layout

In some embodiments, the exemplary output file process will return thestandardized address in the following record format shown in Table 13.

TABLE 13 Column Name Starting Ending Output from Finalist LengthPosition Position Notes Carriage control 1 1 1 always a “1” Sequencenumber 10 3 12 Account Number 30 14 43 Cusip 20 45 64 Doc Type 30 66 95client id 5 97 101 Address line 1 70 103 172 Address line 2 70 174 243Address line 3 70 245 314 Address line 4 70 316 385 Address line 5 70387 456 Address line 6 70 458 527 Address line 7 70 529 598Cass/Finalist Address line 1 70 600 669 This is the address without thename Cass/Finalist Address line 2 70 671 740 Cass/Finalist Address line3 70 742 811 Cass/Finalist Address line 4 70 813 882 Cass/FinalistAddress line 5 70 884 953 Cass/Finalist Address line 6 70 955 1024 11Digit Zip code 11 1026 1036 May be blank 9 Digit Zip code 10 1038 1047Cass/Finalist City 25 1049 1073 Cass/Finalist St 2 1075 1076 LPCRC 11078 1078 PBFN Non-deliverable Indicator 1 1080 1080 Failure Type 3 10821084 LPC Error 4 1086 1089 Cass Addressed changed 1 1091 1091 LPC Reason1 1 1093 1093 LPC Reason 2 1 1095 1095 LPC Reason 3 1 1097 1097 LPCReason 4 1 1099 1099 LPC Reason 5 1 1101 1101 LPC Reason 6 1 1103 1103LPC Reason 7 1 1105 1105 LPC Reason 8 1 1107 1107 LPC Reason 9 1 11091109 LPC Reason 10 1 1111 1111 LPC Reason 11 1 1113 1113 LPC Reason 12 11115 1115 Dom foreign flag 1 1117 1117 Page total 5 1119 1123 Site ID 101125 1134 (blanks) Envelope type 3 1136 1138 Selective insert 1 1 11401140 Selective insert 2 1 1142 1142 Selective insert 3 1 1144 1144Selective insert 4 1 1146 1146 Selective insert 5 1 1148 1148 Selectiveinsert 6 1 1150 1150 Selective insert name 1 20 1152 1171 Selectiveinsert name 2 20 1173 1192 Selective insert name 3 20 1194 1213Selective insert name 4 20 1215 1234 Selective insert name 5 20 12361255 Selective insert name 6 20 1257 1276 Simplex/duplex flag 1 12781278 Manifest flag 1 1280 1280 Process type 2 1282 1283 Address Type 11285 1285 Email Automatically 1287 Automatically determined determined

Exemplary Matching Techniques

In some embodiments, the objective of the matching process is to locaterecords in the Fluent database which are likely matches to the recordsin additional electronic sources, such as 3^(rd) party sources. In someembodiments, the input file from additional source(s) is matched againstthe Fluent Account History database. In some embodiments, when there isa match, Fluent use the Account History fields to do a look-up on theFluent Preferences database, and retrieve the matching Preferencerecords that have an email address.

In some embodiments, the matching process employs a combination ofdifferent techniques, to increase the likelihood of finding a match. Insome embodiments, the matching techniques can vary based on by insuranceclient. For example, some insurance clients might only supply name andaddress. In some embodiments, the exemplary matching techniques can beclassified into the following categories, but not limited to:

Broker ID (Parent Client_ID) and Broker Account Number Matching (akaGold)

Broker ID (Parent Client_ID) plus Name and Address Matching (aka Silver)

Name and Address only Matching (aka Bronze).

In some embodiments, Fluent can use a combination of differenttechniques on any given insurance client file, in order to maximize thehit rate. In some embodiments, Fluent can use Fuzzy matching withinbased on a particular algorithm and/or related probability threshold.

Exemplary Broker ID/Broker Account Number Matching (Gold)

In some embodiments, this matching technique, based on receiving thistype of data from the insurance client. This involves matching on thefollowing data items:

-   -   Originating Broker Dealer (which will be mapped back to “Parent        Client ID”)    -   Broker Dealer Account Number (the investor's account number at        the Broker Dealer)    -   Investor/Policy Holder Name (e.g., for confirmation purposes        only).

In some embodiments, name matching employs fuzzy matching techniques asappropriate.

Exemplary Broker ID+Name and Address Matching (Silver)

In some embodiments, this matching technique based on getting who theoriginating broker dealer is from the insurance client. In someembodiments, this involves matching on the following data items:

-   -   Originating Broker Dealer (without an Account Number) (e.g.        Merrill Lynch) which will be mapped back to “Parent Client ID”        in inventive communication exchange of the instant invention        (e.g., a receiving file contains PRNT_CLIENT_ID which maps        directly to the correct Parent ID for an inclusive match.)    -   Investor/Policy Holder Name (with fuzzy matching techniques        applied)    -   Investor/Policy Holder Address (using DPV and address        standardization techniques).

Exemplary Name and Address Only Matching (Bronze)

In some embodiments, this matching technique, based on inability to getthe Broker Identification Code and the Investor's Account Number fromthe insurance client. This involves matching on the following dataitems:

-   -   Investor/Policy Holder Name (with fuzzy matching techniques        applied)    -   Investor/Policy Holder Address (using DPV and address        standardization techniques).

Exemplary Matching Processes

Exemplary matching in accordance with FIG. 38 (Gold match)

In some embodiments, this matching technique involves matching on atleast the following data items:

-   -   Originating Broker Dealer (which can be mapped back to “Client        ID” in the inventive communication exchange of the instant        invention)    -   Broker Dealer Account Number (the investor's account number at        the Broker Dealer)    -   Investor/Policy Holder Name (for confirmation purposes only).

In some embodiments, name matching can employ fuzzy matching techniquesas appropriate.

Exemplary Matching in Accordance with FIG. 39 (Silver Match)

In some embodiments, this matching technique, based on getting who theoriginating broker dealer is from the insurance client. In someembodiments, this involves matching on at least the following dataitems:

-   -   Originating Broker Dealer (without an Account Number) (e.g.        Merrill Lynch) which will be mapped back to “Parent Client ID”        in the Fluent    -   Investor/Policy Holder Name (with fuzzy matching techniques        applied)    -   Investor/Policy Holder Address (using DPV and address        standardization techniques).

Exemplary Matching in Accordance with FIG. 40 (Bronze Match)

In some embodiments, this matching technique, based on inability to getthe Broker Identification Code and the Investor's Account Number fromthe insurance client. In some embodiments, this involves at leastmatching on at least the following data items:

-   -   Investor/Policy Holder Name (with fuzzy matching techniques        applied)    -   Investor/Policy Holder Address (using DPV and address        standardization techniques).

Exemplary Fuzzy Match Strategies

In some embodiments, when the Broker Id and Customer Account Number areabsent in the input data file, the name and address information can beused in the matching process.

Fuzzy Name Match

In some embodiments, the inventive communication exchange of the instantinvention employs several techniques to yield the highest name matchrates. These include:

-   -   Database Substring Search: this technique involves searching        parts of the full name in the input record as substrings among        the five name/address fields of the Account History table;    -   Text Feature: a fuzzy search feature (e.g., Oracle™ capable of        ranking the relevance of match results;    -   Apache Lucene and SOLR text searching for fuzzy name matching;    -   Name and Address Service to provide name and address matching        and account discovery as services;    -   Fuzzy Address Match to address at least the following:        -   cleansing and/or matching unstructured addresses that may            contain abbreviations, special characters, and/or varying            positions of address elements. As, for example, depicted in            the diagram of FIG. 41, the input data file will be            reformatted for CASS Certified application processing prior            to the actual matching process. In some embodiments, the            CASS Certified application computes a unique identifier            called Delivery Point Value (DPV) for each given address. In            some embodiments, Fluent compares this computed DPV with the            DPVs in the Account History table effectively transforming            what was originally fuzzy into an exact matching process.

In some embodiments, the instant invention is directed to acomputer-implemented method which includes at least the following steps:electronically storing, in real-time, by at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of an electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, historical communications dataabout communications between a plurality of companies and a plurality ofconsumers of the plurality of companies in at least one databaseresiding in non-transient memory; causing, in real-time, via a computernetwork, by the at least one specifically programmed computer processorof the electronic communications exchange executing software to performthe method, to display at least one company personalized communicationsset-up graphical user interface on at least one first electronic device,being utilized by at least one first representative of at least onefirst company, where the at least one company personalizedcommunications set-up graphical user interface is configured to allowthe at least one first representative to dynamically define a firstplurality of company communications attributes, where the firstplurality of company communications attributes include: i) first companyidentifying data, identifying information about the at least one firstcompany, ii) a first plurality of company approved consumer deliverycommunications channels, iii) at least one first consumer validationrule, identifying at least one first identity verification condition toverify an identity of a customer, iv) first company delivery consentterms data, defining terms to which a consumer is required to consentprior to delivery of a communication from or on behalf of the at leastone first company, and v) first company consumer presentation data,defining how to display on a graphical user interface information of theat least one first company to a consumer; causing, in real-time, via thecomputer network, by the at least one specifically programmed computerprocessor of the electronic communications exchange executing softwareto perform the method, to display at least one company personalizedcommunications set-up graphical user interface on at least one secondelectronic device, being utilized by at least one second representativeof at least one second company, where the at least one companypersonalized communications set-up graphical user interface isconfigured to allow the at least one second representative todynamically define a second plurality of company communicationsattributes, where the second plurality of company communicationsattributes include: i) second company identifying data, identifyinginformation about the at least one second company, ii) a secondplurality of company approved consumer delivery communications channels,iii) at least one second consumer validation rule, identifying at leastone second identity verification condition to verify an identity of acustomer, iv) second company delivery consent terms data, defining termsto which a consumer is required to consent prior to delivery of acommunication from or on behalf of the at least one second company, andv) second company consumer presentation data, defining how to display ona graphical user interface information of the at least one secondcompany to a consumer; electronically and automatically storing, inreal-time, by the at least one specifically programmed computerprocessor of the electronic communications exchange executing softwareto perform the method, the first plurality of company communicationsattributes of the at least one first company and the second plurality ofcompany communications attributes of the at least one second company inthe at least one database residing in the non-transient memory; causing,in real-time, via the computer network, by the at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of the electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, to display at least oneconsumer communications set-up graphical user interface on at least onethird electronic device, being utilized by at least one first consumer,where the at least one consumer personalized communications set-upgraphical user interface is configured to allow the at least one firstconsumer to dynamically define a first plurality of consumercommunications preference attributes, where the first plurality ofconsumer communications preference attributes include: i) at least onefirst preference attribute, identifying a type of a first plurality ofelectronic communications communication that the at least one firstconsumer desires to electronically receive, ii) at least one secondpreference attribute, identifying at least one first particular companyfrom which the at least one first consumer desires to electronicallyreceive the first plurality of electronic communications directed to theat least one first consumer, and iii) at least one third preferenceattribute, identifying at least one first consumer deliverycommunications channel to be utilized for electronically sending thefirst plurality of electronic communications; causing, in real-time, viathe computer network, by the at least one specifically programmedcomputer processor of the electronic communications exchange executingsoftware to perform the method, to display the at least one consumercommunications set-up graphical user interface on at least one fourthelectronic device, being utilized by at least one second consumer, wherethe at least one consumer personalized communications set-up graphicaluser interface is configured to allow the at least one second consumerto dynamically define a second plurality of consumer communicationspreference attributes, where the second plurality of consumercommunications preference attributes include: i) at least one fourthpreference attribute, identifying a type of a second plurality ofelectronic communications that the at least one second consumer desiresto electronically receive, ii) at least one fifth preference attribute,identifying at least one second particular company from which the atleast one second consumer desires to electronically receive the secondplurality of electronic communications directed to the at least onesecond consumer, and iii) at least one sixth preference attribute,identifying at least one second consumer delivery communications channelto be utilized for electronically sending the second plurality ofelectronic communications; automatically matching, in real-time, by theat least one specifically programmed computer processor of theelectronic communications exchange executing software to perform themethod, at least one of the at least one first company and at least onesecond company to at least one of the at least one first consumer andthe at least one second consumer based at least in part on: i) the firstplurality of company communications attributes, ii) the second pluralityof company communications attributes, iii) the first plurality ofconsumer communications preference attributes, and iv) the secondplurality of consumer communications preference attributes;automatically updating, in real-time, by the at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of the electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, based at least in part on thehistorical communications data and outcome of the matching, at least thefollowing: i) the first plurality of company communications attributes,ii) the second plurality of company communications attributes, iii) thefirst plurality of consumer communications preference attributes, iv)the second plurality of consumer communications preference attributes,and v) the at least one consumer communications set-up graphical userinterface, and vi) the at least one company personalized communicationsset-up graphical user interface; and automatically and electronicallydelivering, in real-time, by the at least one specifically programmedcomputer processor of the electronic communications exchange executingsoftware to perform the method, the first plurality of electroniccommunications to the at least one first consumer; automatically andelectronically delivering, in real-time, by the at least onespecifically programmed computer processor of the electroniccommunications exchange executing software to perform the method, thesecond plurality of electronic communications to the at least one firstconsumer; automatically and electronically delivering, in real-time, bythe at least one specifically programmed computer processor of theelectronic communications exchange executing software to perform themethod, a third plurality of electronic communications, from or onbehalf of the at least one first company, based at least in part on thefirst plurality of company communications attributes; and automaticallyand electronically delivering, in real-time, by the at least onespecifically programmed computer processor of the electroniccommunications exchange executing software to perform the method, afourth plurality of electronic communications, from or on behalf of theat least one second company, based at least in part on the secondplurality of company communications attributes.

In some embodiments, the first plurality of company approved consumerdelivery communications channels, the second plurality of companyapproved consumer delivery communications channels, the at least onefirst consumer delivery communications channel, and the at least onesecond consumer delivery communications channel are selected from thegroup consisting of: i) secure electronic messaging system, ii) awebsite, and iii) a digital mail system.

In some embodiments, the at least one first consumer is one of: i) anindividual, ii) an retail investor, iii) an institutional investor, andiv) an entity that is not a person.

In some embodiments, the at least one second consumer is one of: i) anindividual, ii) an retail investor, iii) an institutional investor, andiv) an entity that is not a person.

In some embodiments, the method further includes the steps ofautomatically generating, in real-time, by the at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of the electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, a first plurality ofelectronic alerts to the at least one first consumer regarding the firstplurality of electronic communications; and automatically generating, inreal-time, by the at least one specifically programmed computerprocessor of the electronic communications exchange executing softwareto perform the method, a second plurality of electronic alerts to the atleast one second consumer regarding the second plurality of electroniccommunications.

In some embodiments, the method further includes the steps ofautomatically generating, in real-time, by the at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of the electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, a first plurality ofelectronic notifications to the at least one first company regarding thethird plurality of electronic communications attributes; andautomatically generating, in real-time, by the at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of the electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, a second plurality ofelectronic notifications to the at least one second company regardingthe fourth plurality of electronic communications attributes.

In some embodiments, the instant invention is directed to a specificallyprogrammed electronic communications exchange which includes at leastthe following specifically programmed components: at least onespecialized computer machine, including: a non-transient memory,electronically storing particular computer executable program code; andat least one computer processor which, when executing the particularprogram code, becomes a specifically programmed computer processor ofthe electronic communications exchange that is configured to at leastperform the following operations: electronically storing, in real-time,historical communications data about communications between a pluralityof companies and a plurality of consumers of the plurality of companiesin at least one database residing in non-transient memory; causing, inreal-time, via a computer network, to display at least one companypersonalized communications set-up graphical user interface on at leastone first electronic device, being utilized by at least one firstrepresentative of at least one first company, where the at least onecompany personalized communications set-up graphical user interface isconfigured to allow the at least one first representative to dynamicallydefine a first plurality of company communications attributes, where thefirst plurality of company communications attributes include: i) firstcompany identifying data, identifying information about the at least onefirst company, ii) a first plurality of company approved consumerdelivery communications channels, iii) at least one first consumervalidation rule, identifying at least one first identity verificationcondition to verify an identity of a customer, iv) first companydelivery consent terms data, defining terms to which a consumer isrequired to consent prior to delivery of a communication from or onbehalf of the at least one first company, and v) first company consumerpresentation data, defining how to display on a graphical user interfaceinformation of the at least one first company to a consumer; causing, inreal-time, via the computer network, to display at least one companypersonalized communications set-up graphical user interface on at leastone second electronic device, being utilized by at least one secondrepresentative of at least one second company, where the at least onecompany personalized communications set-up graphical user interface isconfigured to allow the at least one second representative todynamically define a second plurality of company communicationsattributes, where the second plurality of company communicationsattributes include: i) second company identifying data, identifyinginformation about the at least one second company, ii) a secondplurality of company approved consumer delivery communications channels,iii) at least one second consumer validation rule, identifying at leastone second identity verification condition to verify an identity of acustomer, iv) second company delivery consent terms data, defining termsto which a consumer is required to consent prior to delivery of acommunication from or on behalf of the at least one second company, andv) second company consumer presentation data, defining how to display ona graphical user interface information of the at least one secondcompany to a consumer; electronically and automatically storing, inreal-time, the first plurality of company communications attributes ofthe at least one first company and the second plurality of companycommunications attributes of the at least one second company in the atleast one database residing in the non-transient memory; causing, inreal-time, via the computer network, to display at least one consumercommunications set-up graphical user interface on at least one thirdelectronic device, being utilized by at least one first consumer, wherethe at least one consumer personalized communications set-up graphicaluser interface is configured to allow the at least one first consumer todynamically define a first plurality of consumer communicationspreference attributes, where the first plurality of consumercommunications preference attributes include: i) at least one firstpreference attribute, identifying a type of a first plurality ofelectronic communications communication that the at least one firstconsumer desires to electronically receive, ii) at least one secondpreference attribute, identifying at least one first particular companyfrom which the at least one first consumer desires to electronicallyreceive the first plurality of electronic communications directed to theat least one first consumer, and iii) at least one third preferenceattribute, identifying at least one first consumer deliverycommunications channel to be utilized for electronically sending thefirst plurality of electronic communications; causing, in real-time, viathe computer network, to display the at least one consumercommunications set-up graphical user interface on at least one fourthelectronic device, being utilized by at least one second consumer, wherethe at least one consumer personalized communications set-up graphicaluser interface is configured to allow the at least one second consumerto dynamically define a second plurality of consumer communicationspreference attributes, where the second plurality of consumercommunications preference attributes include: i) at least one fourthpreference attribute, identifying a type of a second plurality ofelectronic communications that the at least one second consumer desiresto electronically receive, ii) at least one fifth preference attribute,identifying at least one second particular company from which the atleast one second consumer desires to electronically receive the secondplurality of electronic communications directed to the at least onesecond consumer, and iii) at least one sixth preference attribute,identifying at least one second consumer delivery communications channelto be utilized for electronically sending the second plurality ofelectronic communications; automatically matching, in real-time, atleast one of the at least one first company and at least one secondcompany to at least one of the at least one first consumer and the atleast one second consumer based at least in part on: i) the firstplurality of company communications attributes, ii) the second pluralityof company communications attributes, iii) the first plurality ofconsumer communications preference attributes, and iv) the secondplurality of consumer communications preference attributes;automatically updating, in real-time, based at least in part on thehistorical communications data and outcome of the matching, at least thefollowing: i) the first plurality of company communications attributes,ii) the second plurality of company communications attributes, iii) thefirst plurality of consumer communications preference attributes, iv)the second plurality of consumer communications preference attributes,and v) the at least one consumer communications set-up graphical userinterface, and vi) the at least one company personalized communicationsset-up graphical user interface; and automatically and electronicallydelivering, in real-time, the first plurality of electroniccommunications to the at least one first consumer; automatically andelectronically delivering, in real-time, the second plurality ofelectronic communications to the at least one first consumer;automatically and electronically delivering, in real-time, a thirdplurality of electronic communications, from or on behalf of the atleast one first company, based at least in part on the first pluralityof company communications attributes; and automatically andelectronically delivering, in real-time, a fourth plurality ofelectronic communications, from or on behalf of the at least one secondcompany, based at least in part on the second plurality of companycommunications attributes.

While a number of embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrativeonly, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, any stepsdescribed herein may be carried out in any desired order (and any stepsmay be added and/or deleted).

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:electronically storing, in real-time, by at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of an electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, historical communications dataabout communications between a plurality of companies and a plurality ofconsumers of the plurality of companies in at least one databaseresiding in non-transient memory; causing, in real-time, via a computernetwork, by the at least one specifically programmed computer processorof the electronic communications exchange executing software to performthe method, to display at least one company personalized communicationsset-up graphical user interface on at least one first electronic device,being utilized by at least one first representative of at least onefirst company, wherein the at least one company personalizedcommunications set-up graphical user interface is configured to allowthe at least one first representative to dynamically define a firstplurality of company communications attributes, wherein the firstplurality of company communications attributes comprises: i) firstcompany identifying data, identifying information about the at least onefirst company, ii) a first plurality of company approved consumerdelivery communications channels, iii) at least one first consumervalidation rule, identifying at least one first identity verificationrequirement selected out of a plurality of identity verificationrequirements to be utilized to verify an identity of each respectivecustomer, iv) first company delivery consent terms data, defining termsto which a consumer is required to consent prior to delivery of acommunication from or on behalf of the at least one first company, andv) first company consumer presentation data, defining how to display ona graphical user interface information of the at least one first companyto a consumer; causing, in real-time, via the computer network, by theat least one specifically programmed computer processor of theelectronic communications exchange executing software to perform themethod, to display at least one company personalized communicationsset-up graphical user interface on at least one second electronicdevice, being utilized by at least one second representative of at leastone second company, wherein the at least one company personalizedcommunications set-up graphical user interface is configured to allowthe at least one second representative to dynamically define a secondplurality of company communications attributes, wherein the secondplurality of company communications attributes comprises: i) secondcompany identifying data, identifying information about the at least onesecond company, ii) a second plurality of company approved consumerdelivery communications channels, iii) at least one second consumervalidation rule, identifying at least one second identity verificationrequirement selected out of the plurality of identity verificationrequirements to be utilized to verify the identity of each respectivecustomer, iv) second company delivery consent terms data, defining termsto which a consumer is required to consent prior to delivery of acommunication from or on behalf of the at least one second company, andv) second company consumer presentation data, defining how to display ona graphical user interface information of the at least one secondcompany to a consumer; receiving, in real-time, by the at least onespecifically programmed computer processor of the electroniccommunications exchange executing software to perform the method, fromthe at least one first representative of the at least one first company,the first plurality of company communications attributes of the at leastone first company; receiving, in real-time, by the at least onespecifically programmed computer processor of the electroniccommunications exchange executing software to perform the method, fromthe at least one second representative of the at least one secondcompany, the second plurality of company communications attributes ofthe at least one second company; electronically and automaticallystoring, in real-time, by the at least one specifically programmedcomputer processor of the electronic communications exchange executingsoftware to perform the method, the first plurality of companycommunications attributes of the at least one first company and thesecond plurality of company communications attributes of the at leastone second company in the at least one database residing in thenon-transient memory; causing, in real-time, via the computer network,by the at least one specifically programmed computer processor of theelectronic communications exchange executing software to perform themethod, to display at least one consumer communications set-up graphicaluser interface on at least one third electronic device, being utilizedby at least one first consumer, wherein the at least one consumerpersonalized communications set-up graphical user interface isconfigured to allow the at least one first consumer to dynamicallydefine a first plurality of consumer communications preferenceattributes, wherein the first plurality of consumer communicationspreference attributes comprises: i) at least one first preferenceattribute, identifying a type of a first plurality of electroniccommunications that the at least one first consumer desires toelectronically receive, ii) at least one second preference attribute,identifying at least one first particular company from which the atleast one first consumer desires to electronically receive the firstplurality of electronic communications directed to the at least onefirst consumer, and iii) at least one third preference attribute,identifying at least one first consumer delivery communications channelto be utilized for electronically sending the first plurality ofelectronic communications; causing, in real-time, via the computernetwork, by the at least one specifically programmed computer processorof the electronic communications exchange executing software to performthe method, to display the at least one consumer communications set-upgraphical user interface on at least one fourth electronic device, beingutilized by at least one second consumer, wherein the at least oneconsumer personalized communications set-up graphical user interface isconfigured to allow the at least one second consumer to dynamicallydefine a second plurality of consumer communications preferenceattributes, wherein the second plurality of consumer communicationspreference attributes comprises: i) at least one fourth preferenceattribute, identifying a type of a second plurality of electroniccommunications that the at least one second consumer desires toelectronically receive, ii) at least one fifth preference attribute,identifying at least one second particular company from which the atleast one second consumer desires to electronically receive the secondplurality of electronic communications directed to the at least onesecond consumer, and iii) at least one sixth preference attribute,identifying at least one second consumer delivery communications channelto be utilized for electronically sending the second plurality ofelectronic communications; automatically matching, in real-time, by theat least one specifically programmed computer processor of theelectronic communications exchange executing software to perform themethod, at least one of the at least one first company and at least onesecond company to at least one of the at least one first consumer andthe at least one second consumer based at least in part on: i) the firstplurality of company communications attributes, ii) the second pluralityof company communications attributes, iii) the first plurality ofconsumer communications preference attributes, and iv) the secondplurality of consumer communications preference attributes;automatically updating, in real-time, by the at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of the electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, based at least in part on thehistorical communications data and outcome of the matching, at least thefollowing: i) the first plurality of company communications attributes,ii) the second plurality of company communications attributes, iii) thefirst plurality of consumer communications preference attributes, iv)the second plurality of consumer communications preference attributes,and v) the at least one consumer communications set-up graphical userinterface, and vi) the at least one company personalized communicationsset-up graphical user interface; and automatically and electronicallydelivering, in real-time, by the at least one specifically programmedcomputer processor of the electronic communications exchange executingsoftware to perform the method, the first plurality of electroniccommunications to the at least one first consumer; automatically andelectronically delivering, in real-time, by the at least onespecifically programmed computer processor of the electroniccommunications exchange executing software to perform the method, thesecond plurality of electronic communications to the at least one firstconsumer; automatically and electronically delivering, in real-time, bythe at least one specifically programmed computer processor of theelectronic communications exchange executing software to perform themethod, a third plurality of electronic communications, from or onbehalf of the at least one first company, based at least in part on thefirst plurality of company communications attributes; automatically andelectronically delivering, in real-time, by the at least onespecifically programmed computer processor of the electroniccommunications exchange executing software to perform the method, afourth plurality of electronic communications, from or on behalf of theat least one second company, based at least in part on the secondplurality of company communications attributes; and automatically andelectronically maintaining, in real time, by the at least onespecifically programmed computer processor of the electroniccommunications exchange executing software to perform the method, anaudit trail of data or information transmitted through the electroniccommunications exchange.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstplurality of company approved consumer delivery communications channels,the second plurality of company approved consumer deliverycommunications channels, the at least one first consumer deliverycommunications channel, and the at least one second consumer deliverycommunications channel are selected from the group consisting of: i)secure electronic messaging system, ii) a website, and iii) a digitalmail system.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one firstconsumer is one of: i) an individual, ii) a retail investor, iii) aninstitutional investor, or iv) an entity that is not a person.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the at least one second consumer is one of:i) an individual, ii) a retail investor, iii) an institutional investor,or iv) an entity that is not a person.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinthe method further comprising: automatically generating, in real-time,by the at least one specifically programmed computer processor of theelectronic communications exchange executing software to perform themethod, a first plurality of electronic alerts to the at least one firstconsumer regarding the first plurality of electronic communications; andautomatically generating, in real-time, by the at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of the electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, a second plurality ofelectronic alerts to the at least one second consumer regarding thesecond plurality of electronic communications.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the method further comprising: automatically generating, inreal-time, by the at least one specifically programmed computerprocessor of the electronic communications exchange executing softwareto perform the method, a first plurality of electronic notifications tothe at least one first company regarding the third plurality ofelectronic communications attributes; and automatically generating, inreal-time, by the at least one specifically programmed computerprocessor of the electronic communications exchange executing softwareto perform the method, a second plurality of electronic notifications tothe at least one second company regarding the fourth plurality ofelectronic communications attributes.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising enriching the audit trail with data provided by channels orsources in the electronic communications exchange selected from thegroup consisting of: i) data from audit trails of distributions fordemonstrating regulatory compliance or delivery; ii) data about howrecipients use received communications; iii) data from sendersperforming analyses from utilizing various analytical tools fordetermining which components of distributions are most interesting torecipients; and iv) data obtained for determining how to integratecommunications or combine content for various classes of recipients. 8.A specifically programmed electronic communications exchange,comprising: at least one specialized computer machine, comprising: anon-transient memory, electronically storing particular computerexecutable program code; and at least one computer processor which, whenexecuting the particular program code, becomes a specifically programmedcomputer processor of the electronic communications exchange that isconfigured to at least perform the following operations: electronicallystoring, in real-time, historical communications data aboutcommunications between a plurality of companies and a plurality ofconsumers of the plurality of companies in at least one databaseresiding in non-transient memory; causing, in real-time, via a computernetwork, to display at least one company personalized communicationsset-up graphical user interface on at least one first electronic device,being utilized by at least one first representative of at least onefirst company, wherein the at least one company personalizedcommunications set-up graphical user interface is configured to allowthe at least one first representative to dynamically define a firstplurality of company communications attributes, wherein the firstplurality of company communications attributes comprises: i) firstcompany identifying data, identifying information about the at least onefirst company, ii) a first plurality of company approved consumerdelivery communications channels, iii) at least one first consumervalidation rule, identifying at least one first identity verificationrequirement selected out of a plurality of identity verificationrequirements to be utilized to verify an identity of each respectivecustomer, iv) first company delivery consent terms data, defining termsto which a consumer is required to consent prior to delivery of acommunication from or on behalf of the at least one first company, andv) first company consumer presentation data, defining how to display ona graphical user interface information of the at least one first companyto a consumer; causing, in real-time, via the computer network, todisplay at least one company personalized communications set-upgraphical user interface on at least one second electronic device, beingutilized by at least one second representative of at least one secondcompany, wherein the at least one company personalized communicationsset-up graphical user interface is configured to allow the at least onesecond representative to dynamically define a second plurality ofcompany communications attributes, wherein the second plurality ofcompany communications attributes comprises: i) second companyidentifying data, identifying information about the at least one secondcompany, ii) a second plurality of company approved consumer deliverycommunications channels, iii) at least one second consumer validationrule, identifying at least one second identity verification requirementselected out of the plurality of identity verification requirements tobe utilized to verify an identity of each respective customer, iv)second company delivery consent terms data, defining terms to which aconsumer is required to consent prior to delivery of a communicationfrom or on behalf of the at least one second company, and v) secondcompany consumer presentation data, defining how to display on agraphical user interface information of the at least one second companyto a consumer; receiving, in real-time, by the at least one specificallyprogrammed computer processor of the electronic communications exchangeexecuting software to perform the method, from the at least one firstrepresentative of the at least one first company, the first plurality ofcompany communications attributes of the at least one first company;receiving, in real-time, by the at least one specifically programmedcomputer processor of the electronic communications exchange executingsoftware to perform the method, from the at least one secondrepresentative of the at least one second company, the second pluralityof company communications attributes of the at least one second company;electronically and automatically storing, in real-time, the firstplurality of company communications attributes of the at least one firstcompany and the second plurality of company communications attributes ofthe at least one second company in the at least one database residing inthe non-transient memory; causing, in real-time, via the computernetwork, to display at least one consumer communications set-upgraphical user interface on at least one third electronic device, beingutilized by at least one first consumer, wherein the at least oneconsumer personalized communications set-up graphical user interface isconfigured to allow the at least one first consumer to dynamicallydefine a first plurality of consumer communications preferenceattributes, wherein the first plurality of consumer communicationspreference attributes comprises: i) at least one first preferenceattribute, identifying a type of a first plurality of electroniccommunications that the at least one first consumer desires toelectronically receive, ii) at least one second preference attribute,identifying at least one first particular company from which the atleast one first consumer desires to electronically receive the firstplurality of electronic communications directed to the at least onefirst consumer, and iii) at least one third preference attribute,identifying at least one first consumer delivery communications channelto be utilized for electronically sending the first plurality ofelectronic communications; causing, in real-time, via the computernetwork, to display the at least one consumer communications set-upgraphical user interface on at least one fourth electronic device, beingutilized by at least one second consumer, wherein the at least oneconsumer personalized communications set-up graphical user interface isconfigured to allow the at least one second consumer to dynamicallydefine a second plurality of consumer communications preferenceattributes, wherein the second plurality of consumer communicationspreference attributes comprises: i) at least one fourth preferenceattribute, identifying a type of a second plurality of electroniccommunications that the at least one second consumer desires toelectronically receive, ii) at least one fifth preference attribute,identifying at least one second particular company from which the atleast one second consumer desires to electronically receive the secondplurality of electronic communications directed to the at least onesecond consumer, and iii) at least one sixth preference attribute,identifying at least one second consumer delivery communications channelto be utilized for electronically sending the second plurality ofelectronic communications; automatically matching, in real-time, atleast one of the at least one first company and at least one secondcompany to at least one of the at least one first consumer and the atleast one second consumer based at least in part on: i) the firstplurality of company communications attributes, ii) the second pluralityof company communications attributes, iii) the first plurality ofconsumer communications preference attributes, and iv) the secondplurality of consumer communications preference attributes;automatically updating, in real-time, based at least in part on thehistorical communications data and outcome of the matching, at least thefollowing: i) the first plurality of company communications attributes,ii) the second plurality of company communications attributes, iii) thefirst plurality of consumer communications preference attributes, iv)the second plurality of consumer communications preference attributes,and v) the at least one consumer communications set-up graphical userinterface, and vi) the at least one company personalized communicationsset-up graphical user interface; and automatically and electronicallydelivering, in real-time, the first plurality of electroniccommunications to the at least one first consumer; automatically andelectronically delivering, in real-time, the second plurality ofelectronic communications to the at least one first consumer;automatically and electronically delivering, in real-time, a thirdplurality of electronic communications, from or on behalf of the atleast one first company, based at least in part on the first pluralityof company communications attributes; automatically and electronicallydelivering, in real-time, a fourth plurality of electroniccommunications, from or on behalf of the at least one second company,based at least in part on the second plurality of company communicationsattributes; and automatically and electronically maintaining, in realtime, an audit trail of data or information transmitted through theelectronic communications exchange.
 9. The specifically programmedelectronic communications exchange of claim 8, wherein the firstplurality of company approved consumer delivery communications channels,the second plurality of company approved consumer deliverycommunications channels, the at least one first consumer deliverycommunications channel, and the at least one second consumer deliverycommunications channel are selected from the group consisting of: i)secure electronic messaging system, ii) a web site, and iii) a digitalmail system.
 10. The specifically programmed electronic communicationsexchange of claim 8, wherein the at least one first consumer is one of:i) an individual, ii) a retail investor, iii) an institutional investor,or iv) an entity that is not a person.
 11. The specifically programmedelectronic communications exchange of claim 8, wherein the at least onesecond consumer is one of: i) an individual, ii) a retail investor, iii)an institutional investor, or iv) an entity that is not a person. 12.The specifically programmed electronic communications exchange of claim8, wherein the specifically programmed computer processor of theelectronic communications exchange that is further configured to atleast perform the following operations: automatically generating, inreal-time, a first plurality of electronic alerts to the at least onefirst consumer regarding the first plurality of electroniccommunications; and automatically generating, in real-time, a secondplurality of electronic alerts to the at least one second consumerregarding the second plurality of electronic communications.
 13. Thespecifically programmed electronic communications exchange of claim 8,wherein the specifically programmed computer processor of the electroniccommunications exchange that is further configured to at least performthe following operations: automatically generating, in real-time, afirst plurality of electronic notifications to the at least one firstcompany regarding the third plurality of electronic communicationsattributes; and automatically generating, in real-time, a secondplurality of electronic notifications to the at least one second companyregarding the fourth plurality of electronic communications attributes.14. The specifically programmed electronic communications exchange ofclaim 8, wherein the specifically programmed computer processor of theelectronic communications exchange that is further configured to enrichthe audit trail with data provided by channels or sources in theelectronic communications exchange selected from the group consistingof: i) data from audit trails of distributions for demonstratingregulatory compliance or delivery; ii) data about how recipients usereceived communications; iii) data from senders performing analyses fromutilizing various analytical tools for determining which components ofdistributions are most interesting to recipients; and iv) data obtainedfor determining how to integrate communications or combine content forvarious classes of recipients.